Mobster undone by love of mamma’s cooking
Fugitive Camorra clan suspect captured while tucking in
17 August, 17:10
Rosario Scognamillo, a 39-year-old suspected of being a high-ranking member of the Grimaldi Camorra clan, was captured by agents Monday while having lunch at his mother’s home.The man, who is accused of criminal association related to drugs trafficking, had been on the run since May. He may have thought his return home would not be noticed with many Italians relaxing on their summer holidays at the moment.
The above was in the English section of the morning’s ANSA web-site. Could there be anything that speaks more clearly of the Italian male’s love of his mother and her cooking? I imagine she was doing his laundry while he ate, before heading over to the hideout to give it a good clean.
We have frequently been struck by the way Italian parents serve their children. It is sweet and loving, but we’re not sure it’s doing Italian boys any favors. According to an NBC report, more than half of Italian men between 25 and 35 years old still live with their parents. The young women I know tell me they do not want Italian husbands – they are too spoiled. I wonder if the same thing is going on in the US?
In any case, it certainly makes the job easier for the police, doesn’t it?
An Ex-Expatriate 
I remember reading a few years ago about a mafioso who was caught in Sicily because he sent his laundry to his mother. The police followed the laundry back and caught their man. My dad brought his laundry to his mother into her 90’s, and she loved doing it for him, and the weekly visits. Italian mothers do adore their sons!
Hunh – I missed the laundry caper. At 90 I bet it was the visit and feeling useful that really appealed to your Nona. She must have been an amazing woman. Doing laundry at 90 is something I aspire to, for sure!
ha ha too funny and I suspect your observations are all too true.
Gave me a giggle, too, Sue.
What a giggle! Not at all surprising, though. He was probably eating his pasta whilst sitting safely under his mamma’s skirts. Che carino!
Maybe so, SV, but I think it more likely she was doing his laundry!
Ah, the puer eternal – it undoes men on so many levels…
And I’ve met plenty of American men who fall into the same, loving trap.
Perhaps it’s a universal phenomena?
I’m glad the police caught him! Bad Boy!
You’re probably right, Pidge, it probably does exist everywhere; but it certainly is pronounced in Italy – Mammiso, that is (isn’t that an excellent word?).
The dictionary describes mammismo as excessive attachment to one’s mother. I think it is very common in Italy. Italian boys love their mums. It can’t be all bad, but it does make them big babies.
Mammismo – what a GREAT word – I hadn’t heard it before. Thank you!
I have a lot to say about spoiled Italian men (dear though they are), but won’t for fear of being hit by plates of sphaghetti….
I know what you mean, Pat. I even debated having fun with this story, but then figured oh why not…
Ahhh yes, Louise. I can certainly relate to the allure of a plate of mama’s home made fresh, lovingly prepared pasta. I’ll bet you are fast becoming an expert in Italian cookery, too. Ciao.
Nope, I don’t cook much. My husband is the chef around here. I’m a pretty good dish-washer, however.