Italian-American groups in the United States.

The Italian test will cost about $1 million to develop, with the Italian government contributing about $300,000 and Italian-American groups an additional $200,000.

Although the group is sympathic to the Italian-American group's outrage, it is being careful about getting into a gang war over a television show.

Italian-American musical group the EuroRhythms are also performers.

Local politicians and members of Italian-American groups sharply opposed the proposal, on the grounds it would appear to convey honor to a killer and hoodlum.

Some Italian-American groups also objected to being typecast as villains.

Italian-American groups weighed in last week.

Italian-American groups and others say the designation would honor a vicious criminal.

It is not clear whether their ancestors came from Italy or they themselves came from there, but they are an Italian-American group.

But the Italian-American groups, which pushed for the name change, say it is a fitting honor.