What is the most efficient air travel option to Italy from midwest US?

Question

We want to go to Italy the first week of September. Wish to spend time in Florence and Rome. Can originate from Detroit, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh. What is the most efficient way to get there by air?

I'm looking for efficiency over price as time is our limiting factor.

*best to fly through New York and then direct to Rome?

*best to change planes in Europe (paris, amsterdam, etc.)?

*best to fly direct to Paris and then take a high speed to Italy?

Answer 1

new york to rome via virgin atlantic.

Answer 2

I did NY, to Rome via Alitalia but they lost my bags for the entire trip. I picked them up at the Rome airport on the way home. Bite me Alitalia.