That line about "tracing your roots to the old country" from Goodfellas is probably just that - a line.
That line always reminded me of something that Puzo might have written if he was a journalist instead of a novelist. It's corny as Hell, yet oddly enough it was perfect for the voice-over in the film.
"I got news for you. If it wasn't for the toilet, there would be no books." --- George Costanza.
