Use phone to purchase ticket at ticket machine?

Are you referring to the ticket Kiosks at Italian stations? I don't know if they're equipped with the necessary technology to do that yet.

Based on my experience here, I'd still want a card for "backup", as I've found that my phone doesn't always work as a payment method. Having a card may still be necessary.

Skip the machine - just used your phone to buy tickets online and display them on your phone. For Trenitalia tickets in Italy, try the Trenit app - very handy. I used it last May numerous times to buy tickets and check platform info, delays, etc. Note that regional train tickets are good only for four hours after original departure time - vs. regional tickets bought from a machine may be valid all day, I think.

Can’t get the IPhone Trenitalia app from US App Store. How did you get it?

Can’t get the IPhone Trenitalia app from US App Store. How did you get it?

Try the UK App Store. That’s how I downloaded mine.

Sorry, I have an Android, and Trenit is in the US Google Play store. Hope you can get it from the UK Apple app store!

You might also look for the Trainline EU app - haven't used it yet but might be an alternative.

"Can’t get the IPhone Trenitalia app from US App Store. How did you get it?"

Forget the Trenitalia app as the www.trainline.eu app is easily available and sells tickets for several rail networks in Italy and other countries (one stop shopping). You'll need to register on the site first and provide payment information, but once that's done it's very user friendly.