I have to disagree to some extent with the previous answer.

Yes, you'll need the degree and the TEFL cert to even get a look in. And yes, the visa issue is very important so you'll need to get that sorted.

But as for working in terrible conditions this will entirely depend on the school. I personally have worked for a really, really good school in Italy where the conditions were excellent. This may be the exception, but they are out there if you look hard enough and the gods decide to favour you!

So don't think it's all doom and gloom - there are good jobs out there and many foreigners teaching English in Italy!