This pic is so stereotypical that you could hear The Godfather's theme in the background. Except, The Godfather is set in Sicily, while Cane Corso originates from the continental south of Italy, mostly from Apulia, is believed. Its name comes from the latine "Canis Cohors", meaning "courtyard dog", because they were the typical guard dogs in rural houses.
Cane Corso is the lighter form of the Italian Molossers from the ancient Rome, being the Neapolitan Mastiff the heavier. The two races have lots in common, it seems. The northern, long furred derivative races are extinct, but it seems they were similar to the Swiss Saint Bernard.

They're imposing, beautiful dogs, and they're quite well represented in Italy, even if some breeder tent to breed them a bit too heavy to satisfy the market request that wants hypertypical dogs, at the expenses of less spectacular but healtier ones.

http://www.furaffinity.net/gallery/.....0/italian-dogs