Add the gelato or ice cream to a serving glass. Chill it in the freezer while preparing the coffee.
Make the espresso, following the instructions in How to Make Espresso: 5 Ways. Or, make strong coffee with espresso (dark) roast beans using your normal method and half of the standard amount of water.
To serve, remove the glass with the ice cream from the freezer and top with the chocolate shavings. If using the amaretto, add it to the espresso. At the table, pour the espresso over the ice cream and enjoy immediately.