newbie help needed

Do not underesrimate the power of small scales, Masu... Revell's 1/72 little gems are a good way to get into AVF modeling. They come with some individual track links and some longer sections in hard plastic that gicve better results than vinyl tracks. Their costs are minimal and they are just great models. Having said that, if you do really want a Sherman, I'd advise you to get Italeri's (the old ESCI). But if you want a Tiger, PzII or IV, a StuG, a Cromwell, a Kingtiger, or anything more modern, go Revell!

Welcome!!!

It's according to which Italeri Sherman it is.

First of all, with your modeling experience, you should be able to handle any of them.

The Italeri M4A1 is a good kit. The only problems will be the tools, and the armor is too smooth. Both of these problems are easy to fix.
Italeri's M4A3 based hulls suffer from all of the previous problems and a poorly rendered exhaust system. The exhaust system will take some effort to fix, but it is hidden under the hull overhang, so it doesn't need to bother you too bad.

The Tamiya Early Sherman is the strongest Sherman on the market. All of the rest suffer from roadwheels without enough detail.

Any of the kits will build into a nice Sherman right out of the box.

Good Luck!!!

Welcome masu to the forums. Personally i would go with Tamiya's early or late Sherman. The early was a very nice build with many extras. The only real drawback is the price might be a bit steep. Being so close to Italy, Italeri kits might cost you far less. For sheer accuracy and fit Tamiya is hard to beat.