Refilling TIM ITZ International New

[Jamester]

Hi all, I purchased a Tim ITZ International New SIM card last November 2011 in Firenze and would like to extend the credit for another year so I can keep the same phone number (as I don't plan to return until late 2013). I see in Home Page TIM.it. Offerte, Prodotti, Ricariche, Assistenza. | TIM that its validity is 28/11/2012 (I assume that's what "Rinnovata fino al: 28/11/2012" means?)

My questions:

1. So before I spend the money to extend, does my SIM card type (ITZ International New) qualify for top-up (or refill) beyond its validity date? (and I would get another year after my top-up)? What makes my ITZ SIM card different than other type of prepaid TIM card?

2. I know I can go to saveroaming.de etc to have someone refill my SIM but the commission looks pretty steep. Is Home Page TIM.it. Offerte, Prodotti, Ricariche, Assistenza. | TIM still not accepting U.S.-issued credit card (even if it has a smart chip on it?) or non-Italian PayPal account? Any other way to do it cheaply?

Thanks in advance all!
Jim