I LOVED IT! The acting was marvelous.
I cannot comment on the stereotypes of Italians, as I do not have knowledge.
I will comment on the 'cliche' remarks and how someone is 'too old' to play as a student.
There's nothing cliche about this series. They were portraying real life! Sometimes things happen in life that may seem too cliche. Sometimes happy ending never happen. You cannot give this series 2 stars because you 'feel' someone should have beaten a disease or that they shouldn't pursue their dreams because of a disease.
Also, do you know how many adults never finished high school, so they go back and get their GED? Do you know how many adults never went to college, so they go back to get a Degree after their kids are old enough to fend for themselves?
You are NEVER 'too old' to go to school. If you've been to college, you know that some degrees take 8+ years to finish.
Overall, this series was fantastic. Let's be better critics.