Don't DO IT!
DO NOT, I repeat: DO NOT buy property in Italy.
I did exactly what you are talking about: was based in Rome with Ryanair, and bought what seemed like a nice, inexpensive country home 45 minutes from the airport. I was then screwed nine ways to Sunday, for the next five years. I was never sued in my home country, but could not get out of court in Italy. A simple thing to remember, if not a simple thing to understand, is: FRAUD IS LEGAL IN ITALY. Sounds ridiculous? It is. But it's true, and not just for you Mr. Foreigner. It happens Italian-to-Italian all the time. Fraud is just a way of doing business in Italy. Even Notaries get in on the fraud sometimes. You will always be at a disadvantage, because you don't "know the system" and all the tricks that are possible. They will rape you.
I tell people: RENT. You will never get your deposit back from the landlord in Italy (ever, ever), so just write that off. But renting lets you stay out of all the liability issues. If I had rented, I would be retired today. I will be working until they throw me out, and then get a job washing airplanes.
Rent, and enjoy. Italy is a beautiful country.