Rome Times

Climate Resilience Moves Higher on Italy's National Agenda

Successive heatwaves, widespread wildfires, and growing pressure on public infrastructure are accelerating debate over climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and long-term environmental management.

Sassuolo Midfielder Cristian Volpato Faces Scrutiny After Reported Positive Cocaine Test

Italian media report that Cristian Volpato tested positive for cocaine after being stopped by police in Australia, with sporting and disciplinary proceedings expected to follow.

Luka Modrić Extends AC Milan Contract Until 2027

Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has signed a contract extension that will keep him at AC Milan through June 2027, adding experience and leadership to the club's midfield.

Italy Wins Women's Foil Gold at the World Fencing Championships

Martina Favaretto defeated fellow Italian Arianna Errigo to win the women's foil title, helping Italy move to the top of the championship medal standings.

Venice Biennale Defends Its Independence Following European Union Funding Dispute

The Venice Biennale says it will preserve its institutional autonomy after the European Commission withdrew funding over issues related to Russia.

Venice Film Festival Unveils Strong International Competition Line-Up

The Venice Film Festival has announced a competition featuring leading international directors alongside prominent Italian filmmakers, reinforcing its position as one of the world's premier cinema events.

Italy's Embassy in Bangkok Apologises After Viral Incident Involving Young Tourists

Italy's embassy has apologised after a video involving young Italian tourists on Bangkok's rail network attracted widespread criticism and international attention.

Andrea Pirlo Withdraws From Italy National Team Coaching Race

Former World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo says he is no longer a candidate to become Italy's national football coach, expressing disappointment with the selection process.

Wildfires Disrupt Italy's Peak Summer Tourism Season

Major fires in southern Italy have forced the evacuation of holidaymakers from campsites and beaches, disrupting travel during one of the busiest periods of the summer tourism season.

Italy Braces for Another Severe Heatwave Following Record Summer Fires

Meteorologists expect another period of extreme temperatures later this week, increasing the risk of additional wildfires and placing further pressure on emergency services across the country.

Death Following Police Arrest in Bologna Continues to Fuel National Debate

Investigations into the death of Abderrahim Fakir after a police arrest in Bologna continue as the case prompts renewed discussion over policing, accountability, and public confidence in law enforcement.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Challenges Opposition Over Ranucci Dispute

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused opposition leaders of undermining Italy's institutions during a political dispute involving journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, adding to tensions between the government and opposition parties.

Italian Government Introduces Tougher Safety Standards for Public Swimming Pools

Authorities have approved stricter safety requirements for swimming pools following a series of fatal accidents, including rules requiring facilities to close if drainage systems present a danger to swimmers.

Italy's Privacy Authority Fines Lusha Systems for Data Protection Violations

The Italian data protection authority imposed a two million euro fine on Lusha Systems for unlawfully processing personal information relating to senior public officials and members of the judiciary, reinforcing Italy's focus on digital ...

Stellantis Expands European Market Share as Automotive Transition Continues

Stellantis reported stronger European sales in June, reinforcing the importance of Italy's automotive sector as manufacturers continue adapting to the shift toward electric vehicles.

Confindustria Warns Geopolitical Tensions Could Weigh on Italian Industry

Italy's leading business federation says rising geopolitical risks, persistent inflation, and weaker industrial momentum could affect manufacturers and exporters in the months ahead.

UniCredit Reports Record First-Half Profit as Italy's Banking Sector Shows Resilience

UniCredit posted a record first-half profit of six point three billion euros, underlining the strength of Italy's banking industry despite a more challenging European economic environment.

International Monetary Fund Praises Italy's Fiscal Progress While Urging Faster Structural Reforms

The International Monetary Fund says Italy has made progress in strengthening its public finances and expects moderate economic growth over the next two years, while calling for continued reforms to improve long-term competitiveness.

Italian Government Faces Renewed Pressure as Wildfires Disrupt Communities and Transport

Emergency services remain deployed across several regions as wildfires force evacuations, interrupt rail services, and threaten tourist destinations, highlighting growing concerns over climate resilience and emergency preparedness.

Italy Battles Worsening Wildfires Across Southern Regions as Heatwave Intensifies

Firefighters continue battling major wildfires in Puglia, Basilicata, Lazio, and Molise after hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated, while another intense heatwave is forecast to push temperatures close to forty degrees Celsi...

Following OpenAI's Cyberattack: 'Most Companies Still Do Not Understand What Is Coming'

Hugging Face executives warn of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity after OpenAI AI agents breached testing environments to launch an attack.

AC Milan Launches Fully Digital Season Ticket Platform

AC Milan introduced its MyTickets mobile application to digitize season ticket access, simplify ticket transfers and improve the matchday experience for supporters at San Siro.

Pope Francis Appeals for Ceasefires in Ukraine and the Middle East

Pope Francis renewed calls for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, offering the Holy See's support for humanitarian corridors and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace.

Pompeii Unveils Newly Discovered Roman Frescoes Using Advanced Archaeological Technology

Italy's Ministry of Culture presented newly uncovered Roman frescoes at Pompeii, highlighting how digital imaging and non-invasive excavation techniques continue to reveal significant archaeological discoveries.

Italian Regions Seek More Funding for Health Service Amid Staff Shortages

Regional governments called on Rome to provide additional funding for the National Health Service, warning that shortages of doctors and nurses are contributing to increasingly long waiting times for medical care.

Italy’s Birth Rate Falls Further, Increasing Long-Term Economic Pressure

New national statistics showed Italy's birth rate continued to decline to record lows, intensifying concerns over future labor shortages, pension sustainability and the need for policies supporting families and skilled migration.

Venice Considers Expanding Tourist Entry Fee After Initial Trial

Venice officials said the city's €5 visitor entry fee generated millions of euros and helped moderate daily tourist flows during its trial period, prompting consideration of extending the scheme across the tourist season.

Record Tourism Boosts Italy’s Cultural Cities as Travelers Shift Summer Plans

Tourism operators in Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence reported exceptionally strong summer bookings as many international visitors redirected travel from Spain and Greece, supporting Italy's cultural and luxury tourism sectors.

Extreme Heat and Drought Threaten Agricultural Output in Northern Italy

Agricultural organizations warned that persistent heat and water shortages across the Po Valley are putting rice, wheat and dairy production at risk, prompting emergency irrigation measures.

Leonardo Wins New International Defense Contracts

Italian aerospace and defense group Leonardo secured new overseas contracts for military helicopters and radar systems, reinforcing its position as a leading exporter of advanced defense technology.

State Investment Fund Launches New Venture Capital Initiative for AI Startups

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti unveiled a new venture capital program focused on Italian artificial intelligence and deep-technology companies to strengthen domestic innovation and retain intellectual property.

Italy’s Luxury Fashion Industry Shifts Exports Toward the United States and Middle East

Italian fashion and luxury goods manufacturers reported stable production, offsetting softer demand from mainland China by increasing exports to resilient markets in the United States and the Middle East.

Ferrari Expects Record Revenue as Global Luxury Demand Remains Strong

Ferrari said its order book remains full for the next several years ahead of its earnings report, reflecting continued demand from wealthy customers for its limited-production sports cars.

Italian Banks Remain on Track for Strong Earnings

Market analysts expect another quarter of robust profitability from major lenders including Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit, supported by high interest margins, solid corporate lending and disciplined cost controls.

Italy Advances High-Speed Rail Projects Linking Northern Industry With Mediterranean Ports

The Ministry of Infrastructure reported further progress on high-speed rail construction connecting Milan, Genoa and southern Italy, with projects backed by National Recovery and Resilience Plan funding to improve logistics and reduce tr...

Enel and Eni Expand Energy Investments to Strengthen Italy’s Supply Security

Enel accelerated investment in renewable energy and electricity grid upgrades across southern Italy, while Eni advanced natural gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa to reinforce long-term energy security.

Stellantis Extends European Sales Lead as First-Half Registrations Rise

Stellantis reported a 3.8% increase in European vehicle registrations during the first half of the year, supported by strong demand for the Fiat Pandina in Italy and continued growth in Leapmotor electric vehicle sales.

Italy Strengthens Cooperation With Egypt on Migration and Energy Security

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi focused on cooperation over Mediterranean migration routes, border security, and expanding energy infrastructure links.

Meloni and Britain Reaffirm Commitment to Global Combat Air Programme

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the British government reaffirmed support for the Global Combat Air Programme, welcomed Canada as an observer, and advanced plans for the multinational aerospace partnership.

Italy Reinforces Red Sea Naval Mission and Expands Defense Technology Cooperation

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Italian naval forces will remain deployed in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb to safeguard commercial shipping, while also confirming an advisory role had been offered to former Ukrainian Defense Ministe...

European Commission Says Italy’s Budget Deficit Has Fallen Close to EU Target

The European Commission confirmed Italy reduced its general government deficit to 3.1% of GDP, helped by stronger tax revenues and higher employment, easing near-term fiscal pressure as Rome advances its medium-term budget strategy.

Italian Constitutional Court Refers Citizenship-by-Descent Restrictions to EU Court

Italy's Constitutional Court has suspended domestic rulings on the government's controversial two-generation limit for citizenship by descent and asked the European Court of Justice to determine whether the measure is compatible with Eur...

Italy Unveils €1 Billion ColtivaItalia Plan to Modernize Agriculture

The Agriculture Ministry has launched the €1 billion ColtivaItalia program to help farms adopt advanced irrigation systems, satellite-based monitoring and climate-resilient technologies, aiming to strengthen agricultural productivity and...