Many thanks to all for the really helpful advice.
Interestingly, this months "Pilot" arrived today. Reading it on the train and there is an article on flying the alps into Italy. I had pencilled in 3 possible crossings of the Alps:
1. Annecy - Milan Area - Brescia
2. St. Gallen - Chur - St. Bernadino Pass - Como - Brescia
3. Brescia - Innsbruck
Two of the three are covered in the article, plus tips on Italian red tape and lack of fuel.