Are the NFC and Payment working in Rome, Florence and Venice?
fsg,
I think you'll find NFC terminals to be few and far between, even in large cities in Italy (if there are any), so I wouldn't count on it. In addition, many smaller restaurants and other businesses only accept cash so an ATM card will be the best financial item to pack along. Take one or two credit cards as well. Even if you do find a few NFC-equipped POS terminals, that will limit the places you'll be able to patronize.
Nope unless a local will report a recent and quick change.