The Italians made good solid racing bikes since back in the 1950's or 1960's.
Other brands like Peugeot and Raleigh made a few nice bikes, and quite a few cheap department store bikes. Schwinn also made a lot of junk, and a few nice bikes (which the top of the line Schwinns command as high of a price as many Italian bikes).
The Japanese did a good job copying the Italian classics.
Do you want an original, or a copy?
There will also be a supply and demand issue, especially in the USA. A limited number of vintage Italian bikes, and millions of later model Japanese copies.