Well, CMH, your question underscores one of the many weaknesses of GFIII. Right: Who the hell is Altobello (other than an old acquaintance of the Corleones and Connie's godfather)? Why does he side with Zasa? Why does he betray Michael? Why is he in fealty to Don Lucchese? And why did they choose Eli Wallach to portray him so feebly?

Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.