Did you talk to the Delta agent for the partner airline Alitalia? They seem to have more inventory.
In 2001 I also had trouble going with Delta to Italy in business class. Ended up going with AF.

Or you may fly to Munich and rent a car - car rentals are much cheaper in Germany than in Italy - and drive to Italy. MUC to Verona is about 4 1/2 hours.

You may save your miles and go with Italiatour

http://www.italiatourusa.com/

Book one of Italiatour's Popular Escapade Packages to Rome or Florence or Naples from $599* and bring a friend along for only $399!!*

Book by December 31, 2001, valid for travel through March 10, 2002
All packages are incredibly priced and include roundtrip airfare with ALITALIA, accommodations and other extras you'll only get with Italiatour, the Italy experts