The Italian cypress is prone to a dieback that makes them really ugly. (At least it is quite common in our region...)

Another suggestion that has a similar growth habit is Blue Point juniper.

Italian Cypress look cool, but don't always do so well here (as C'sMom said), and they get HUGE.

Many upright junipers have the same form, but take our weather better, and you can get them to stay in the 10' - 20' range, rather than 60'

Juniperus chinensis 'Hetzii', 'Mountbatten', 'Obelisk', 'Wintergreen'
or 'Hooks'

Juniperus virginiana 'Canaertii', 'Skyrocket', or 'Stover'

Juniperus scopulorum 'Moffettii'

Juniperus communis 'Totem Pole' or 'Sentinel'

& others!