How Similar Are Spanish and Italian?

Sometimes, when my Italian Father would get flustered in getting his point across, he's speak in Italian and only my oldest sister would truly understand what he was saying. I listened and picked up tidbits here and there...as I grew older he'd say 'Caprich' (not necessarily spelled like that) and I'd shake my head and repeat what he'd say in that respect I believe i understand some words of Italian...thank God's goodness for listening ears <3  mami nana ana :)