Italians don't travel well. In football or global conflicts.
Zola is probably the best known Italian in this country, and most successful, but most don't want to leave Italy until the latter part of their career, for money, if they leave at all. Vialli another, although he was past his best when he arrived. Maybe it's the proximity of San Marco and lots of nice Italians restaurants on the King's Road?
Just don't expect an Italian to settle in the NorthEast or West
Look at Giacherrini, a moping non-entity on the bench at fucking Sunderland, but looks quality playing for Italy. Another who failed to settle and couldn't wait to return home.