I’ve looked at Italian Uncovered - learning through story.
Has this method worked for you?
Can you understand? Can you speak with others?
I haven’t gotten that far along; I started in November. I’m reading Short Stories in Italian by Olly Richards and I can understand the plot without resorting to translation, so I’m happy. I do know someone who is essentially a native Italian speaker (she and her mom talk to each other in Italian). When I’m brave enough and feel like I’ve had enough comprehensible input, I’ll start talking to her.
Oh, Italian Uncovered is the same guy. I am someone who need explicit grammar, so I’m supplementing, but I’m very happy with the process. It really takes the pressure off to tell yourself that you don’t have to actually produce anything until you’re ready. Just being a sponge is my kind of learning!