I am unable to give you practical advice with regard to taking a PPL in Italy. However I visit Italy frequently and have done some flying there.
You will probably get a very friendly welcome from the flying clubs as flying is very much a minority interest and they always seem keen to meet fellow enthusiasts. Flying costs are quite high although at the moment there is a very favourable exchange rate sterling/lira which will soften the blow quite a lot.
I suspect the biggest problem will be your lack of Italian as I cannot imagine Italian bureaucracy being able to cope with you not taking the exams in Italian.
I am off to Italy on Friday and hope to do some skydiving while I'm there so I'll pick some aviatorial brains and if I come across any further information I shall post it on my return. Best of luck. nb very friendly club at Arrezzo but its a bit of a hike from Lucca.