But others, including the post-fascist National Alliance's leader, Gianfranco Fini, whose party is set to join Mr Berlusconi's in a coalition government if the left loses the election due by next spring, suggested that the boss had mistackled.
To make matters worse, Wright was hampered by a rib strain during spring training and left-hander Johan Santana will begin the season on the disabled list while he builds strength in his shoulder.