Rome Times

Ronaldinho Announces Return to Professional Football With Italian Third Division Club Ravenna

Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, aged 46, has announced a return to professional football with Serie C side Ravenna, drawing widespread international attention and renewed commercial interest in the club.

Italy Faces Intensifying Heatwave as Northern Regions Issue Health Warnings and Event Disruptions

A severe early summer heatwave across northern Italy, including Milan and the Po Valley, has prompted health advisories and disrupted public events as authorities warn of risks for vulnerable populations.

Italy Opens Constitutional Review of Citizenship by Descent Reform Decree

The Constitutional Court has begun reviewing the Tajani Decree tightening citizenship-by-descent rules, a move that has triggered legal challenges and concern among Italy’s global diaspora across the Americas.

Ferrari Advances 250 Million Euro Buyback as Luxury Automotive Confidence Remains Strong

Ferrari has continued its 250 million euro share buyback programme, executing a second tranche across Milan and New York markets, signalling continued confidence in demand and pricing strength within the ultra-luxury automotive segment.

Italy Secures Wage Increase for 400,000 Metalworkers Under New Sector Agreement

More than 400,000 metalworkers will receive a 200 euro monthly wage increase under a new Unionmeccanica Confapi agreement, designed to offset inflationary pressures across Italy’s mid-sized manufacturing sector.

Florence Pitti Uomo Sees Slight Attendance Dip but Strong Buyer Quality Maintains Industry Optimism

The Pitti Uomo menswear trade fair in Florence reported 11,000 buyers, down 3 percent year on year, though organisers said engagement from international retail partners remained strong and commercially significant.

Milan Men’s Fashion Week Highlights Italian Luxury Strength Despite Cooling European Demand

Milan Men’s Fashion Week closed with major shows from brands including Dolce & Gabbana and MSGM, reinforcing Italy’s role in global luxury menswear even as broader European demand shows signs of softening.

Italy Launches 109 Million Euro Greentour Programme to Upgrade Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure

The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a 109 million euro funding programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades across Italy’s hospitality sector, as the country prepares for the peak summer tourism season.

Rome Sees Clashes Between Rival Pro-Migration and Nationalist Demonstrations Amid Heavy Police Deployment

Italian police deployed across central Rome as tens of thousands of pro-migration and pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in parallel with nationalist rallies opposing undocumented migration, with authorities working to prevent clashes...

Italy’s Confindustria Young Entrepreneurs Warn of 5 Million Worker Shortage Driven by Demographic Pressures

At their annual summit in Rapallo, young business leaders from Confindustria warned that Italy could face a shortage of up to five million workers, calling for major tax exemptions for professionals under 35 to counter talent outflows an...

Italy Rejects Electrolux Job Cut Plan as Government Demands Revised Industrial Restructuring

Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso has rejected Electrolux’s proposed restructuring plan involving 1,700 job cuts, summoning company executives to Rome to negotiate an alternative strategy that protects employment in the appliance man...

Stellantis and Italian Unions Push for Automotive Industry Guarantees Across National Manufacturing Sites

Trade unions and automotive groups, including Stellantis and FIM CISL, are pressing for binding production guarantees across Italy’s car plants, seeking to prevent further erosion of domestic manufacturing capacity amid ongoing industria...

Italy Maintains 42 Percent Tax Burden Amid Debate Over Corporate Levies and Household Relief Measures

The government defended Italy’s 42.9 percent tax burden, noting recent tax cuts for workers and small businesses alongside windfall levies on banks and insurers, as debate continues over the balance of fiscal pressure across the economy.

Italian Bank Lending Grows 3 Percent as Credit Conditions Ease After Tightening Cycle

The Italian Banking Association reported a 3 percent year-on-year increase in lending to households and businesses, with corporate borrowing costs easing to 3.5 percent, signalling a gradual recovery in domestic credit conditions after a...

Italy Confirms 8.8 Billion Euro BTP Italia Retail Bond Sale Amid Strong Household Demand

Italy’s Treasury has raised 8.8 billion euros through its latest inflation-linked BTP Italia bond issuance, with strong participation from retail investors and a minimum guaranteed annual return of 1.6 percent, underscoring continued dom...

European Central Bank Under Pressure as Italian Sovereign Debt Indicators Signal Capital Outflows

Italian financial markets are facing renewed strain as Target2 liabilities linked to the Bank of Italy rise to a record 640 billion euros, pointing to accelerating capital outflows from Italian government debt and increasing expectations...

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump Clash Over Iran War Diplomatic Dispute

Diplomatic tensions between Rome and Washington escalated after US President Donald Trump accused Italy of denying runway access during the Iran conflict, a claim rejected by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called the remarks senseles...

Italian Wine and Agrifood Exports Shift Toward Asia and North America as Demand Patterns Change

Italian wine and agribusiness exporters are expanding distribution into the United States and Asian markets as demand weakens in parts of Europe, reshaping international trade flows for premium agricultural goods.

Ronaldinho Joins Italian Club Ravenna in Surprise Third-Division Contract Deal

Former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho, aged 46, has signed a promotional contract with Serie C side Ravenna, generating widespread media attention and boosting the profile of the regional Italian club.

Vatican Reiterates Call for Humanitarian Ceasefires Amid Ongoing Global Conflicts

The Holy See has renewed its diplomatic appeal for ceasefires and humanitarian corridors in conflict zones, maintaining its call for peace efforts despite growing international political pressure.

Italy Faces Labour Shortages as Demographic Decline Drives Calls for Skilled Migration Reform

Industrial groups in northern Italy are urging reforms to attract skilled foreign workers, warning that population decline is creating persistent labour shortages across manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality sectors.

Poste Italiane Raises Dividend by 10% on Strong Insurance and Digital Services Growth

Poste Italiane has increased its dividend by 10% following strong performance in insurance, digital payments and retail financial services, reflecting continued diversification beyond traditional postal operations.

Italian Automotive Suppliers Seek Government Support Amid Electric Vehicle Transition Pressures

Component manufacturers supplying Stellantis are calling for increased state support, warning that the rapid shift to electric mobility could threaten skilled manufacturing jobs in northern industrial regions.

Italian Sovereign Bond Markets React Cautiously to ECB Rate Increase

Italy’s finance ministry is monitoring borrowing costs after the European Central Bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points, with markets adjusting to tighter monetary conditions across the eurozone.

Anti-Corruption Authority Raises Concerns Over Strait of Messina Bridge Procurement Process

Italy’s anti-corruption chief Giuseppe Busia has warned that procurement procedures for the planned Strait of Messina bridge require stronger oversight to reduce risks linked to rushed legislative approvals and potential organised crime ...

Italy Launches Corporate Roadshow to Promote Female Leadership in Small and Medium Enterprises

A national initiative led by Il Sole 24 Ore has begun a multi-city roadshow aimed at increasing female representation in corporate leadership, highlighting the role of women entrepreneurs in Italy’s manufacturing and SME sectors.

Italian Industry Calls for Urgent Power Grid Upgrades to Support AI and Data Centre Expansion

Industrial leaders and energy operators are warning that Italy must accelerate investment in electricity storage and transmission infrastructure to meet rising demand from artificial intelligence systems and hyperscale data centres.

Italy Expands Digital Payments and Open Banking Adoption Across Retail and Public Services

Italian municipalities and businesses are increasingly adopting open banking systems and digital payment technologies, reflecting wider European efforts to modernise financial infrastructure and streamline public and private transactions.

Italian Trade Unions Oppose Proposed Welfare Reforms Amid EU Budget Pressure

Trade unions across Italy are challenging planned adjustments to disability and unemployment benefits, urging protection of household purchasing power as the government balances welfare costs with European Union deficit reduction require...

Lombardy Accelerates Infrastructure Works Ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Authorities in northern Italy have completed key bridge and railway upgrades across the Valtellina valley as part of a €5 billion infrastructure programme designed to ensure transport readiness for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Fincantieri Signs Naval Partnership With Indonesia to Expand Indo-Pacific Shipbuilding Presence

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesian defence firm Republikorp to establish a joint venture, expanding its industrial footprint in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening long-term naval coop...

Italy’s Bioeconomy Reaches €433 Billion Output as Sector Becomes EU’s Third Largest

A report from Intesa Sanpaolo shows Italy’s bioeconomy has grown to €433 billion in output, generating €140 billion in value added and employing more than two million people across agriculture, forestry and biotechnology sectors.

Leonardo Raises Dividend by 21% as Defence Group Benefits From Strong Order Growth

Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo approved a 21% increase in dividend payments, reflecting strong revenue performance and a robust international order book amid rising European security demand.

Luxury Hotel Groups Expand Across Italy as International Demand Drives New Openings in Key Destinations

Global hospitality brands including Hyatt are expanding high-end hotel capacity in Rome, Milan, Lake Como and Sicily, responding to rising demand from ultra-high-net-worth travellers seeking premium leisure destinations beyond peak seaso...

Thousands March in Rome Pride Parade Marking Civic Celebrations and Republic Anniversary

Tens of thousands gathered in Rome for the annual Pride parade, coinciding with commemorations linked to the Italian Republic’s 80th anniversary, though the event saw brief organizational tensions over the participation of some internati...

Maserati Unveils Fully Electric Folgore Range as Stellantis Brand Accelerates Luxury EV Transition

Maserati has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with Folgore versions of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale models, alongside a new digital configuration platform aimed at strengthening its position in the global luxury automotive...

European Commission Projects 0.5% Italian Economic Growth for 2026 Amid Gradual Inflation Decline

The European Commission forecasts Italy’s economy to grow by 0.5% in 2026, supported by EU recovery funds and domestic investment, while inflation is expected to ease gradually through the year across the eurozone’s third-largest economy.

Eni Reports €1.3 Billion First-Quarter Profit and Advances Energy Transition Strategy Through 2030

Italian energy group Eni posted an adjusted net profit of €1.3 billion for the first quarter of 2026 and outlined continued investment in its energy transition strategy, including a new environmental hub in Ravenna and expanded underwate...

Italy’s Banking Sector Consolidation Accelerates as Unipol Expands Stakes in BPER and Popolare di Sondrio

Unipol Group has increased its holdings in BPER Banca to 24.1% and in Popolare di Sondrio to nearly 20%, deepening consolidation in Italy’s regional banking sector as investors seek stronger domestic financial hubs capable of competing a...

Italy’s Industrial Output Extends Growth Streak With Third Consecutive Month of Expansion in April

Italian manufacturing output rose 0.5% in April, marking a third straight month of growth and the strongest sustained expansion since 2019, as industrial firms navigate ongoing supply chain disruptions and elevated energy costs across Eu...

Italy Issues Red Heat Alerts Across Eight Cities as African Anticyclone Drives Extreme Summer Temperatures

The Italian Ministry of Health has placed Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Milan, Perugia, Rieti and Turin under maximum heat warnings as an African anticyclone pushes temperatures toward 37°C, raising concerns over strain on the pow...

Italian Government Rejects Donald Trump Claim Over G7 Photograph Request as Diplomatic Tensions Surface

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed assertions by former United States President Donald Trump that she requested a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit in France, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a plann...

Meloni Rejects Claims About Group of Seven Summit as Brief Tensions Emerge With Washington

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly denied assertions made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the recent summit, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned trip to Washington amid the diplomatic dispute.

Italy Steps Up Economic Diplomacy With Canada and the United Arab Emirates After Group of Seven Summit

Rome has launched new diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing Canadian supplies of critical minerals and attracting investment from Emirati sovereign wealth funds into Italian infrastructure projects.

Ferrari Tribute to the Mille Miglia Generates Strong Economic Boost for Regional Tourism

The seventeenth edition of the exclusive motoring event concluded in Brescia after a 1,900-kilometre journey across Italy, drawing affluent international participants and supporting local hospitality businesses.

Intesa Sanpaolo Advises on Sale of Healthcare Technology Company Alfahealth to Accenture

The lender's investment banking division acted as sole financial adviser in the transaction, underscoring growing demand for digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications in Italy's healthcare sector.

Italian Agricultural Groups Prepare for Drought Risks Linked to El Niño Forecasts

Farming organisations are reassessing water management and irrigation plans after warnings that extreme weather could threaten domestic wheat, olive and wine production during the summer.

Intesa Sanpaolo Approves Share Award Plan for More Than Fifty Thousand Employees

The bank authorised a capital increase to distribute 76 million free shares to domestic employees, directly linking workforce incentives to its long-term financial performance.