I am surprised to read your story. I have spent the last 13 summers together with Milanese people. I do not find them rude, but curious and interested in us coming from another country. We have now a standing invitation to visit Milano as soon as "Teatro La Scala" opens after long close down for maintenance.

My experience is : be open, be friendly and accept that far from all Italians speek English. Try to approach them with some words from their own language and you have got a friend.

Try the Milanese people again .....

best regard Roar T Karlsen