...I'd go for the MTB/touring style rather than the race orientated shoes as you'll want to be able to walk normally when you get off the bike...
With respect, how do you know that is what the OP wants? However, you are right: MTB style shoes
usually (but not always) have recessed cleats, but I can walk as far as I need to in my road shoes.
Italian shoes are often found to be narrow for UK feet; Shimano do tend to be a size smaller than advertised.
The advice you've received about buying a size larger, may also be based on the fact that your feet will swell-up as they heat-up: shoes that are snug in the shop are likely to prove uncomfortable over the course of longer rides.
If you buy on-line, then you should factor in the cost of a possible return when weighing-up the options: even if the shoes are bang-on size wise, peoples' feet rarely are.
I have found Shimano to be a little over-priced for what they are; I bought a pair of
these on a recommendation from another forum user here. The quality is excellent and my 17 stone, body builder pal can barely get the soles to flex. I spoke to the shop about sizing and was advised that they were "true": I bought my usual size and they are a great fit.
If you do like the look of them, have a look for their
Ebay page: I only paid £64.99.