Euros to take in advance

How much would I bring? None. I would take some from an ATM on arrival. These days, you can pretty much get by on a credit card.

I agree, just get a few when you get there, you only need maybe 100 euro for a couple people as back-up and small purchases.

I suppose if you bank at a larger bank where you can get some, and it makes you feel better, get about the same from your bank, though it will cost you. But significantly, a decade ago you used a good amount of cash, now, with a contactless enabled credit card, you can tap your way through Italy with no issues.

I agree with the previous comments.
I have used very little cash while traveling in Europe the last few years. Get a small amount before you travel if it makes you feel comfortable.

The Pandemic and the touchless banking it brought has changed everything in Europe. Getting 100 Euros for your pocket gotten from a major bank ATM on arrival has been plenty for several trips. (And I was glad I had some when the Cab driver's remote connection failed as we arrived at the train station to drop me off.) Credit cards are best because some machines do not accept debit cards that are used in the US.

If I have leftover euros, I bring them along with ATM cards and CC cards. I went to New Zealand a half a year ago. I did not bring any currency and didn't need it until a week into my trip. Leaving for Turkey in a couple days and bringing no lira. I will pick some up when I arrive. Point is, in most countries, CCs are widely accepted and ATMs are everywhere.

It also is a rather personal question. Depends on how much cash you like to use relative to credit card use and how much you spend. Even at home, I am not one to be carrying around more than $10 in cash. I use credit cards and find them to be much safer than carrying around a bunch cash..

A decade ago, I imagine you started off with at least €200. I did too, 10 years ago, but that to was from an ATM once I arrived in italy, not cash obtained in the U.S. prior to departure.

As stated repeatedly, credit cards (or cards loaded onto a smartphone) are increasingly the overwhelming method of payment nowadays. There are a few places that don’t accept credit cards, or that much prefer cash. Having up to €60 in cash, from an Italian Bancomat ATM, would be helpful, although you might be looking for places to spend it all towards the end of your trip, if you won’t be coming back to Europe in the near future and wanting a little cash upon arrival.