I’ve worked in many EU countries and the feeling I often got is that in Italy, we are more advanced in fighting tax evasion and elusion.
Keep in mind that in switzerland for example there is no cap to cash transaction
In Germany and Austria often is difficult to pay with card because they don’t accept it
I’ve seen Russian in Vienna going to luxury stores with literally stacks of money
I got 6 months ago a s20ultra because spec wise was basically the same of a s24u for my use, i can buy a 2tb micro SD for 200€ if i want to.