The first thing that comes to mind is that they have a dopey young Samuel L. Jackson getting busted as a careless getaway driver with the Lufthansa heist.

You know how mafia guys feel about basketball Americans.

For some reason, I highly doubt it was meant to combat the idea of all Italians are mobbed up (a legitimate, but outdated, stereotype).

Definitely because they aren't on their knees worshipping black people and women like good modern movies must do.