Buongiorno,
Early. At least an hour if not more before.
There will be lots of jostling around, just be persistent. You will be able to sit in the beginning maybe to save your spot. But as soon as it starts filling up, no way! you will be on your feet and staking your claim.
The last time I went, I was in the back and had a great view of the smoke (ha ha) but that was due more to weather conditions.
I do remember that those up front had a bit of a wait to get out of there, because those in the back had to more first - and really...no one knew what they were doing HA HA
Buon Viaggio,
Donna Denise