My friend is very fluent in Italian. He has only had a smattering of Spanish lessons, mainly .high school level but because of his command for Italian, he is able to have conversations in Spanish. Most people in Italy speak English but many of those won't admit it. If you try Italian then they will open up. . I am betting that someone fluent in Spanish would be able to do well just by a quick review of a dictionary for a few key words.

I still would not recommend traveling to another country without first having some touring experience.