I think I have read most of the postes about using cell phones in europe, and what kind of sim cards to use.....what I haven't learned is where to buy them there when your on the move. My son is over there now, without a phone (he likes to fly by the seat of his pants apparently) and is having trouble finding what he needs when he doesn't speak the languarge. He is in florence now, and going to venice tomorrow and then Rome 3 or 4 days later. If he could stay in one place long enough he could buy on the internet, but that doesn't seem to be working out.
He doesn't need to speak Italian, he needs to find one who speaks English, and I am telling you there are many Italians who speak English well.
Has he tried electronics stores?
Yeah, he doesn't need to speak any words except "prepaid phone". They will all understand, as that is what every american entering their store has said. Prepaid phones are easy to find in every town or city. Have him look for a storefront with a phone in the window and thats it. Look for the words "TIM" or "Vodaphone" too. In the cities you mention, if one can't find a phone, one isn't looking.