iPhone Return Help

Hi, I bought my iPhone in Italy and they said it would work with my mobile carrier here in the US. However, the person at the Spectrum Mobile store said the phone is locked to European providers.

I'm trying to return my phone to the Rome Apple store, and getting ahold of someone to talk to has been incredibly difficult.

I've tried to access my order through Apple Support , but it is saying that they don't have a record of my order.

I'm using the Order Number from the email receipt as well the correct email, but still nothing.

Would anyone know anything about this and be able to help?

I'm trying to get this in front of somebody at Apple to assist with this uniquely challenging situation.

Thank you for reading.