Best airline, hub for Melbourne to Rome?

Emirates! I've done the flight a few times over the years. I think the best way to do it is to fly through to Dubai. Airport at Dubai is huge. Then fly through to Rome from there. I think it's about 14/15 to Dubai and then 5 to Rome from there. That would be the best mix.

If you are gathering QF points and SC then stick with QF for highest earn. Otherwise EK is pretty convenient and if you have lounge access then they are amongst the best.

With children, I would opt for the night EK flight out of MEL - this is the perfect flight to ensure some sleep. Breakfast in DXB will fill the time and reorient the body clock and from there it is an easyish flight to Rome, arriving early afternoon. This timetable is the easiest on youngsters and the two flights rather than a third is a bonus.

The best choice for me at the moment (do this trip from SYD x4) has been either TG or CI. Quick connections and I'm at FCO 22 hours later.

Go EK to Dubai then on to FCO. But as already mentioned, be careful when booking if you use the QF website. Make sure you book a QF codeshare flight number and not EK otherwise you'll miss the status credits.

If you're looking for a highly efficient European airport hub, consider SWISS from Hong Kong or Singapore to Zurich, an overnight flight about 12 hours. Leaves late evening each way. SWISS have a nicely priced business class and a very decent product. Then Qantas from and back to Australia to connect with the European flights.

For OW why has no one mentioned JAL most likely be Dreamliner all the way.