It was not too long ago that finding anyone who spoke English in Italy was an ordeal. This is not the case anymore. Most people in the cities have some understanding of the language, although numbers decrease as you move further into the countryside. Therefore, it is better to know a few basic phrases in Italian (per favore means please and grazi means thank you) if you are heading for the country. This will not only make your stay in the country easier but also ensure that you show respect to the people and their culture.