The ESCI kit is moulded in a really soft, somewhat greasy plastic. Detail is basic and chunky, the tracks are as stiff as a board and the figures look like they could front up for any football front line - hugely over scale. Despite that, I still like it.
I have heard from 2 guys that the Italeri one is not for the faint hearted, it has many parts that don't fit right, etc, but one guy in my club said he had no probs. End result is if it takes your fancy go for it - you never know if you don't give it a go.