Can we purchase this when we get to Rome or is there any reason we should do this before we leave? If we purchase before we leave do we print the pass off the website? We are not sure yet if the pass would be better than point-to-point tickets.
Is this the Eurail Italy Saver Pass? If yes, you can't buy them in Europe. Also, pass versus point-to-point depends on how long you will be in Italy and how much train traveling you will do. Usually, point-to-point in Italy can beat the pass.
I have been told that it is way easier to purchase tickets at each train station instead of in advance. More flexibility this way and travelers have said that the machines at the train stations are very user-friendly and in English.