Alitalia aren't actually too bad. I've flown them twice to Japan in Y. Compared to IAG partner IB, i'd happily fly AZ any day of the week. There is free catering on shorthual legs, including wine/beer, and some reasonable longhual catering. Staff are always quite cheery.

Not so good is the 3x4x3 seating on the 777 (don't sit in a window seat), and the horrible FCO airport.