You don't need the exception rule when discussing Italian ladies.
There's a huge difference between the average Mediterranean beauty and the average North-European beauty.
You only need to check out a 1950's film from both sides to see what I mean...
Ugly anglosaxon commedienne
Ugly Italian commedienne
Honestly, which one would you rather date ?
Now... talk about "Vintage" Mediterranean Actresses...
Sophia Loren performing a chuckly strip tease in "Ieri Oggi Domani"
Brigitte Bardot undressing in "Plucking the Daisy"
Claudia Cardinale camping out
This French lady needs no introduction...
Two Italians the French love to love (get used to it!)
Carla Bruni ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... and ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Monica Bellucci
Your call...