We have found the attendants to be generally helpful, though with limited true English. In the business section of a small town, parking restrictions will be posted. There may be a vending machine on the block where you buy a ticket and place it on the dash. It could also be restricted free parking. 2 hours, etc.
Italian cars have a stick on clock face on the windshield.
Just set the dial to the time to when you are parking. Many stations are no longer manned. You need to punch your ticket before riding. It is either at the station or on the bus. This marks the ticket as used.