It's the work you put in before the wax that determines the end result. My methods - (for the best result IMO, I do thorough cleans using the method below every couple of months.)
Wash with Dodo Juice 'born to be mild' using the two bucket method. Rinse. Wash again. Rinse.
Using a hand mister as lube, clay (Auto Bilt) every inch of the car to decontaminate the paint, and remove tar spots.
Apply a layer of micro prime pre- wax polish. Buff off with micro fibre towels, repeat to ensure full coverage.
Then start on the wax. I use soft wax because I find it easy to apply. I do two layers to ensure full coverage.
Dress the tyres with Tyres dressing.
I then wait 24 hours for the wax to cure, and then go over with Dodo Juice Tropical red mist detailer to seal in the wax.
Like Tom has stated, it's really about what you feel works best, and what YOU find better to work with. Like you, I have a Milano, and am impressed with the end result.