Hello - not sure this is the correct forum but am interested in opinions on this route. The AZ product looks fairly new but not sure about AA (which I believe is a 777-200).
AZ planes have been freshened up, and their food service is excellent. They get a bad rap for some customer service and luggage handling issues, but my experience has been fine. Then again, I almost never check luggage, so that makes it hard for them to lose it.
Avoid AA in C unless you're going to get the new 77W or a 2-cabin retrofit. But there aren't many of either flying and I do not think FCO gets them. Leaving NYC to Europe all I really care about in C is the seat/bed to sleep in. Coming back the food & service matter a bit more.