You're gonna like it here. Gets a little heated in the off topic discussion once-in-awhile, but still a fun and great site.
Now, in responce to your question. To the best of my knowledge, which is minimal by most standards
![Confused [%-)]](/FSM/CS/emoticons/icon_smile_perplexed.gif)
, the Italeri kit is simply the MRC/Academy kit reboxed.
As far as details, they should be the same. As far as quality? Here again, they SHOULD be the same. That may not be so as to the differences in the material used to mold the kit.
I have the MRC/Academy kit and it is a great kit. I don't think you will go wrong with it or for that matter the Italeri kit, either.
Randie