When I went all probability-philosophical back there, I didn't even introduce the added burden on the remaining engine. The concept of hundreds of people being over non-survivable ocean for hours on one engine is something dreamed up by people that are sitting in a warm room - but drowning financially.
That Alitalia executive's heart was in the right place, but then, things were not always as rosy as we'd like to believe.
The 727 drift-down comes to mind, with its subsequent hosing in of fuel.