Rome Times

Juventus and Inter Milan Meet in Serie A Women’s Cup Semi-Final

Juventus Women face Inter Milan in Biella in the opening semi-final of the expanded Serie A Women’s Cup as the domestic women’s game attracts growing audiences and commercial investment.

Restoration at Florence’s Santa Croce Reveals Previously Hidden Details in Giotto Frescoes

Art restorers at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence have recovered previously obscured elements of frescoes by Giotto during a major conservation project.

Vatican-Backed Excommunication of Italian Priest Follows Finding of Schism

The Diocese of Latina has excommunicated Don Leonardo Pompei for schism following instructions from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in a rare act of formal church discipline.

Meloni Opens International Rice Festival in Piedmont Amid Agricultural Pressures

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opened the second Risò International Festival in Vercelli, highlighting Italy’s agricultural sector as farmers contend with climate disruption and European environmental rules.

Turin Auto Show Returns as Italian Car Industry Faces Global Competitive Pressure

The Salone Auto Torino has opened as an outdoor exhibition across central Turin, showcasing new vehicles as Italy’s automotive sector confronts weaker European production and growing competition from Chinese electric carmakers.

President Mattarella Calls for International Cooperation on September 11 Anniversary

Italian President Sergio Mattarella marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by urging stronger international cooperation and diplomacy to support long-term security and peace.

Fatal Construction Accident in Barletta Prompts Manslaughter Investigation

Prosecutors in Puglia are investigating five people for manslaughter after a 34-year-old worker died in a fall at a construction site, renewing debate over workplace safety enforcement in Italy.

Emma Bonino, Former Italian Foreign Minister and Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 78

Emma Bonino, the former foreign minister, European Commissioner and longtime Radical Party figure associated with campaigns on abortion and divorce, has died at 78, prompting tributes across Italy’s political spectrum.

EU Cyber Resilience Act Brings New Security Rules for Italian Smart Toy Makers

Italian manufacturers of internet-connected children’s products must meet new European Union cybersecurity requirements, including rapid reporting of software vulnerabilities, to maintain access to the single market.

Ericsson Faces Political Backlash Over More Than 130 Planned Layoffs in Genoa

Politicians and labour unions in Liguria are demanding government intervention after Ericsson announced more than 130 collective dismissals, raising concerns over high-skilled technology employment in Genoa.

EU Commissioner Calls for Tighter Controls on Short-Term Rentals in Italy

European Commissioner for Housing Dan Jørgensen has backed stricter regulation of platforms such as Airbnb, adding momentum to Italy’s debate over housing affordability and the impact of short-term rentals on historic city centres.

Italy’s Summer Tourism Revenue Reaches €20 Billion on Strong Foreign Demand

Italy’s 2026 summer tourism season generated €20 billion, with strong international demand from visitors including those from Spain, France and Germany supporting service-sector activity in cities such as Rome, Venice and Milan.

Intesa Sanpaolo Plans 13,100 New Hires by 2029

Chief Executive Carlo Messina says Intesa Sanpaolo will recruit 13,100 people by 2029 as Italy’s largest bank pursues generational turnover, greater use of artificial intelligence and expansion across its domestic operations.

Italy’s Gas Bills Rise 6.9% for Vulnerable Consumers

Energy regulator ARERA says natural gas tariffs for protected Italian households rose 6.9% in August, largely reflecting higher costs linked to Middle East tensions and instability affecting energy transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Nationwide Transport Strikes Threaten Major Disruption at Italian Railways and Airports

Rail workers, airport security personnel, easyJet cabin crews and ground staff are staging consecutive walkouts, threatening widespread delays at major Italian rail hubs and airports including Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino.

Severe Storms Trigger Orange Alerts Across Northern Italy After Record Heat

Civil Protection authorities have issued orange weather alerts for Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna after storms brought up to 200 millimetres of rain within hours, raising flood and landslide risks.

Italy Records Hottest Summer Since 1950 as Heat Damages Crops

Italy experienced its hottest summer in more than 75 years, with August temperatures averaging above 25.6 degrees Celsius and severe heat reducing maize yields and damaging non-irrigated crops.

Italy Prepares 2027 Budget Amid Pension Demands and EU Fiscal Constraints

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is weighing pension changes and other politically sensitive measures as the Treasury seeks to meet tighter European Union deficit rules while preparing the 2027 budget.

Milan Court Confirms Shutdown of Taranto Steelworks Hot Area as Layoffs Resume

An appeals court has upheld the closure of the hot area at Acciaierie d’Italia’s Taranto steelworks on public health grounds, prompting suppliers to restart collective dismissal procedures affecting more than 2,500 workers.

Italy’s Employment Rate Reaches Record 63.1% in Second Quarter

Italy’s employment rate rose to a record 63.1% in the second quarter, with 246,000 more people in work than a year earlier despite high interest rates and weaker European industrial demand.

Fitch Affirms Italy at BBB+ With Stable Outlook as High Debt Remains a Constraint

Fitch Ratings has maintained Italy’s BBB+ sovereign rating and stable outlook, citing the country’s diversified economy and European Union membership while warning that high public debt and weak medium-term growth limit fiscal flexibility.

Italy’s Senate Approves Electoral Reform Raising Bar for Smaller Parties

Italy’s Senate has approved an electoral overhaul that restores voter preferences while sharply increasing signature requirements for non-parliamentary parties, drawing opposition accusations that the changes favour established political...

Mediterranean Journalists Festival in Puglia Focuses on Conflict, Migration and Security

International journalists gathered in southern Italy to discuss reporting on Middle East conflicts, human smuggling and security challenges across the Mediterranean.

Napoli Lose 1-0 to Arsenal in Champions League Group Stage

Napoli were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after a goal from Martin Ødegaard, complicating the Italian club’s path toward the knockout rounds.

Venice Film Festival Concludes After Showcasing Italian and International Cinema

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival concluded on the Lido after presenting a programme of Italian and international films at one of Europe’s leading cinema events.

Aosta Valley Steps Up Suicide Prevention After 14 Deaths in Eight Months

Health authorities in the Aosta Valley recorded 14 suicides during the first eight months of the year, prompting increased concern over mental health provision and social isolation in the Alpine region.

Italian Consumers Shift Toward Private-Label Goods as Inflation Pressures Household Budgets

Italian households are buying more supermarket-owned products as cumulative inflation and weak wage growth push consumers away from premium brands and force retailers to adjust pricing strategies.

Italian Cities Prepare for EU Restrictions on Short-Term Tourist Rentals

Property investors and authorities in cities including Venice, Florence and Rome are preparing for European measures aimed at restricting short-term rentals and returning more housing to local residents.

Survey Finds 94% of Italian Students Regularly Use Artificial Intelligence

Education researchers found that 94% of Italian students regularly use artificial intelligence in their studies, raising concerns about whether young people are adequately checking and evaluating AI-generated information.

Italy Plans Higher Universal Child Allowance Payments Amid Falling Birth Rate

The Meloni government confirmed plans to increase Assegno Unico payments in 2026 as Italy seeks to support families while the number of children eligible for the benefit continues to decline.

Rome Police Arrest Seven Over Murder of Underworld Figure Fabrizio Piscitelli

Anti-mafia investigators arrested seven people accused of involvement in the killing of Fabrizio Piscitelli, known as Diabolik, as authorities continue operations against organised crime groups in Rome.

Diesel Spill in Milan’s Naviglio Grande Prompts Emergency Environmental Response

Firefighters and environmental technicians are working to contain a major hydrocarbon spill in Milan’s Naviglio Grande, with authorities seeking to limit damage to wildlife and water quality.

Enel Reaffirms Financial Outlook as Renewable and Regulated Networks Support Earnings

Italian utility Enel maintained strong earnings guidance despite net debt of about €60 billion, supported by renewable-energy capacity and regulated network operations.

Italy’s Summer Tourism Revenue Hits Record €20 Billion

Tourism and hospitality groups reported about €20 billion in revenue during July and August, while an estimated 10 million travellers are extending Italy’s peak tourism season into September.

Italy Prepares to Extend Diesel Tax Discounts Amid High Transport Costs

The Economy Ministry is expected to extend reductions in diesel excise duties as the government seeks to shield transport companies and consumers from volatile energy prices.

Stellantis Cassino Output Falls More Than 36% as Unions Seek Government Intervention

Italian industrial unions are urging Stellantis to commit to new electric-vehicle investment after production at its Cassino plant dropped by more than 36%, raising concerns over employment.

Italian Parliament to Debate Electoral Reform With 42% Threshold for Avoiding Runoff

The Chamber of Deputies is due to begin debate on Sept. 28 on a proposal that would eliminate an electoral runoff when a coalition secures at least 42% of the vote.

Meloni Government Proposes Pension Reform Limiting Early Retirement at 64

Italy’s government is considering 2027 budget reforms that would allow retirement at age 64 only for workers fully covered by the contributory pension system, a proposal likely to face union opposition.

Italy’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio Forecast to Reach 138% by 2026

Economic projections indicate Italy’s public debt could rise to 138% of GDP, increasing pressure on the government to manage its finances while implementing projects under the EU-funded National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Italy Faces Nationwide 24-Hour Rail Strike Over Working Conditions and Safety

Italian railway unions are preparing a 24-hour nationwide strike over working conditions and safety standards, threatening major disruption for commuters, tourists and freight services across high-speed and regional networks.

Juventus and AC Milan Draw 1-1 in Early Serie A Clash

Juventus and AC Milan played to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium in Turin in one of the most closely watched fixtures of the early Serie A season.

Gaza Documentary at Venice Film Festival Sparks Political and Cultural Debate

An Israeli documentary examining military actions that resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza drew intense media attention and polarized reactions after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Emma Bonino Transferred to Private Clinic in Rome

Veteran Italian political leader and human rights advocate Emma Bonino was transferred to a private medical facility in Rome, prompting messages of support from across Italy’s political and institutional establishment.

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies Introduces Digital Voting With Biometric Security

The lower house of parliament replaced its longstanding voting technology with touch screens and biometric security measures aimed at modernizing legislative procedures and reducing voting irregularities.

Italy’s Lega Faces Internal Split Over Electoral Strategy and Roberto Vannacci

Senior Lega figures from the party’s traditional northern base are criticizing the candidacy of General Roberto Vannacci and calling for a return to the party’s regionalist roots, exposing divisions within the right-wing party.