Italian Bank Account for US Expat (Florence)

Can anyone advice me what are the minimum documents an Italian bank requires for a non-Italian cirizen to set up an Italian checking-savings account with Bancomat card? I assume a passport to start. Permesso di Soggiorno? Codice fiscale? Visa? Utility bill? Rental agreement?

Is there a specific Italian banks anyone would recommend? I am considering BNL-BNP Paribas.

Is there merit to a Post Office bank account?

Thank you for your help,
Alan