Bonventre's assassination was part of Joe Massino's long-term plan to eliminate every rival. Galante was the champion of the Sicilian faction. At one point, another Zip, Sal Catalano, was effectively the street boss of the Bonannos. Bonventre switched sides. But he was still a Zip as far as Massino was concerned--not an American, not his guy (like Vitale)--a potential rival.