James Gandolfini a.k.a Tony Soprano....?

....I remember hearing years ago that real Mafia bosses admired Gandolfini's portrayal of Tony Soprano for being so real & a true representation of Mafia life that the local Cosa Nostra invited him to the funeral of one of their members, which he duly attended, but I cannot find anything online. Does anyone else remember hearing this & do you know if it is true?!....