Cashing in with gusto

Italians often start to look very glum indeed when they ponder the image of "Bella Italia" abroad: They are troubled by the travails of President Silvio Berlusconi and all those affairs, rampant corruption and last but not least the Mafia.

Ask them about what makes Italy great around the world and the scowls will soon turn to smiles: At the White House in Washington US President Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle Obama delight in tucking into a meal of spaghetti and mozzarella. They love some "gusto" on their plates. A bottle of Prosecco, especially if it hails from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, is another essential ingredient. In fact in international circles this beverage is poised to oust French champagne.

All this helped to swell the chests of recession-bound Italians, especially at times when even the country's international football team is in the doldrums.