If you're in Rome for longer than 3 days and plan to visit everything there is to see, I do recommend getting the Rome Pass. The place isn't far off the city center by way of tram, tram 8, but the 1.5 euros per ticket does add up fast so the pass is perfectly suited for that. Less than 10 minutes to get to the tram, as well and it drives at night too.
The neighborhood is absolutely beautiful and quiet, makes for a perfect walk after dinner perhaps.
As for the apartment and Massimiliano's parents. We were greeted by his mother who was nothing short of nice and helpful, then later on his father came as well to make sure we were settled in and didn't need anything else.
The apartment was clean, big enough for the four of us - went with a group of friends - and completely equipped with everything we'd ever need.
Would definitely come back here.