Then I'll disagree that on good terms at least(discarding the feud with Simeoni), Italians would relish having a six-time Tour winner ride in their Giro. Cycling fans will always pull for their nation's guy first, sure, but on the whole they respect talent regardless of country of origin. Witness the general love for Ullrich, Freire, Simoni, Basso, etc. from Americans on these forums. Italians are no different in that regard.