Like many Italian families, the Zarantonellos are keen on getting all the relatives together every now and again for a meal and a gossip.

But with over 1,000 people in four continents claiming to belong to the clan, they are an 'extended' family in every sense of the word and get-togethers are tricky.

A row over the expansion of an American military base in Vicenza has flared up again, with protesters occupying the northern city's most important monument.

Some 30 demonstrators have been inside Vicenza's Basilica since Wednesday evening.

Tens of thousands of people from across Italy converged on the northern city of Vicenza on Saturday to protest against the expansion of a US military base.

Organisers said more than 100,000 protesters took part in the colourful, festive demo. Police officials said the number was around 70-80,000.

Premier Romano Prodi came under renewed pressure on Friday to block plans to create the biggest American military base outside the US at the northern Italian city of Vicenza.