Alitalia MilleMiglia - 55 min conneciton at FCO?

Looking to book LHR-FCO-CAI and I have the option of a 55 minute connection or a 2.5 hour connection. This is an early AM flight so the extra 1.5 hours would be REALLY nice but I DO NOT want to get stuck in FCO as the next flight to CAI is 8 hours later.

What do you think. Safe to book the 55 minute connection?

Also, if I go with the longer connection, what are lounge options like these days (and what one will I likely use for this itinerary). I'm a bit confused on the status and use of terminals in FCO.

Thanks much!

To make the connection:

1. Your plane will need to arrive on time...

2. You'll need to park at a terminal gate (if you're at a remote stand, you'll have to wait for the bus to load); if you do park at a gate, you'll need to wait till they let you off (two weeks ago, we waited 15 minutes with the door open before the ramp agent would let us disembark)...

3. You'll need to clear security...

4. Depending on gate assignments, you may need to go out to the remote international terminal...

5. all this assumes you're not also transferring luggage.

FWIW, we had a 75 min connection at FCO recently, and missed the connection with 50 other people

Transit C to C is quite easy, but the first segment is from LHR and delays were quite common there.
Some lounge is closed for renovation, you can check in this forum and find some updates.
If the plan B is staying in a lounge for 8 hours, try to catch the earlier flight. If something goes wrong, nothing changes!

AZ from LHR goes to satellite of C. I remember that southbound flights to Africa leave from main C.
You can see here what does mean:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12461999-post3.html (till point 4)

Thanks for the replies. I don't think I am going to chance it. I'll tough it out and take the 6am departure (UGH!).

C.