Although it might sound to you like a rapid flow of melodious syllables Italians don't speak any faster than most English speakers. Italians love talking and might use more words to express a simple statement but this just gives you more opportunities to make sense of it all.

I thought I spoke Italian but the only thing I could think of to describe the Sistine Chapel was 'Mama mia!' Then I opened my phrasebook and entered a world beyond the Italy I thought I knew.