6 years ago, FCO-ATL, flight was on time, the Captain came out to the gate area just before boarding started, takes the GA's microphone, and with his big, burly, American voice announces: "Buon giorno! I'm Captain <so & so> taking you to Atlanta today." After the applause subsided (no kidding) he made some general announcements about the flight, time table, weather expected along the way, anticipated temperature on arrival in ATL, etc. Only time I've seen that. Nice touch.