Getting something that's more resistant to the mites is smart, but saying that Italians are "prone" to mites isn't exactly true. I have two hives of Italians, in central Georgia, and have not as yet had a mite problem. I've had them through two years, but only treated them with mite medicine once. I did that medicine in the first winter, because I thought I had to do it twice a year whether I see mites or not. I hadn't seen mites, but just medicated just because. Still have no mites, and it's been 18 months since that medication.
Sometimes I feel just plain blessed, with everyone else troubled by mites on a regular basis. Some may say I'm stupid for not treating for mites even if I see no problem. But anyway..... I have not seen any mites, and do not plan to medicate until I see mites.
Beth