Can I put my bag in the overhead compartment?
van-o-por-ta-ba-GA-gli — stress on fifth syllable. 'Vano' is VA-no.
When boarding and needing to store your hand luggage in the overhead bin.
'Vano portabagagli' (overhead compartment) literally means 'luggage-carrying compartment'. 'Posso mettere' (can I put) uses 'potere' for permission. If the overhead bin above your seat is full, cabin crew will help you find an alternative location.
Il vano è pieno. Dove metto la mia borsa?
The bin is full. Where do I put my bag?
Ask cabin crew for alternative storage
Posso mettere la borsa sotto il sedile davanti a me?
Can I put my bag under the seat in front of me?
Standard alternative for small bags
Questa borsa è troppo grande per il vano?
Is this bag too big for the overhead bin?
Ask before attempting to force it in
On Italian budget flights (especially Ryanair and easyJet), overhead bin space is limited. Priority boarding is sold specifically to guarantee overhead space. Cabin crew may ask passengers to check bags to the hold at the gate if the overhead bins fill up — this is usually free at the gate.