Rome Times

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.

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.

Italian Venture Firm Techshop Raises €43 Million for New AI Fund

Milan-based Techshop completed a €43 million first close for its second fund, targeting early-stage companies developing business-to-business artificial intelligence products.

Ferrari Completes €250 Million Share Buyback and Starts New €50 Million Tranche

Ferrari completed the second phase of its €3.5 billion multi-year share repurchase program and immediately launched a new €50 million tranche on the New York Stock Exchange.

Italian Healthcare Group Gksd Agrees to Build and Manage 15 Hospitals in Kenya

Italian hospital management and infrastructure group Gksd signed an agreement with the Kenyan government to construct and operate 15 hospitals, expanding Italy’s healthcare expertise into the African market.

Italian Anti-Mafia Police Arrest Seven in Rome Murder Investigation

Investigators arrested seven people, including crime boss Michele Senese, in connection with the killing of the ultra-group leader known as Diabolik, dealing a blow to entrenched organized crime networks in Rome.

Naples Caps Short-Term Rentals Ahead of 2027 America’s Cup

Naples introduced rules limiting short-term tourist accommodation to 30% of available residential properties as the city seeks to ease housing pressures before hosting the 2027 America’s Cup.

Italian Grocery Prices Rise 29.5% Over Five Years

The cost of a standard basket of household goods has increased 29.5% since 2021, according to an economic report presented in Milan, highlighting continued pressure on household purchasing power.

Italian Gas-Fired Power Generation Surges as Extreme Heat Drives Electricity Demand

Italy generated more than six additional terawatt-hours of electricity from gas-fired plants over the summer as extreme temperatures lifted power demand and reduced output from hydroelectric and wind sources.

Italy Extends Diesel Excise Subsidies to Limit Transport Costs

The Italian government extended discounts on diesel excise duties, committing additional public funding to contain transport expenses and reduce inflationary pressure on logistics and manufacturing companies.

Italy Faces Political Scrutiny Over Decision Not to Back Sanctions on Israeli Settlements

The Italian government is facing domestic criticism after reports that U.S. pressure influenced Rome’s decision to block European Union sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in occupied territories.

Nationwide Strike Disrupts Italian Rail and Public Transport Networks

A 24-hour strike involving train drivers, conductors and public transit workers disrupted Ferrovie dello Stato services and regional commuting routes amid disputes over working conditions and wages.

Storms and Tornadoes Kill at Least One and Disrupt Transport in Tuscany and Lombardy

Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued emergency alerts after severe storms and a tornado struck areas including Siena and Brescia, causing at least one death, flooding and widespread transport disruption.

Italy’s 2026 Budget Tightens Tax Deductions for Banks and Insurers

The government plans to restrict the deductibility of past losses for Italian banks and insurance companies, a measure expected to raise hundreds of millions of euros for the Treasury after a period of strong financial-sector profits.

Bending Spoons Agrees to Acquire Miro for €1.7 Billion

Milan-based software company Bending Spoons entered a definitive agreement to buy digital collaboration platform Miro for €1.7 billion, expanding the Italian group’s presence in global enterprise software and artificial intelligence.

Italy’s Government Bond Yields Rise Sharply in €7 Billion Debt Auction

Italy sold more than €7 billion of three- and seven-year government bonds, but borrowing costs increased significantly, with the three-year yield reaching 3.43% as investors reassessed sovereign risk amid changing European monetary condi...

Stellantis Chief Unveils €60 Billion Five-Year Turnaround Plan

Stellantis Chief Executive Antonio Filosa outlined a €60 billion recovery strategy through 2030 focused on improving product quality and restoring profitability in Europe and North America after the automaker’s share price fell 52%.

Italy Extends Border Controls With Spain for 15 Days as Migration Tensions Rise

Italy extended restrictions on Schengen free movement with Spain for another 15 days, prompting retaliatory checks from Madrid and intensifying debate over European migration and Mediterranean border policy.

Italy Unveils 2026 Budget With Income Tax Cut and €2.3 Billion in Additional Health Funding

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government plans to reduce the second income tax bracket to 33% and allocate more than €2.3 billion in additional funding to Italy’s National Health Service under its 2026 budget.

Italy Marks First Anniversary of Giorgio Armani’s Death

Fashion houses, cultural institutions and luxury-industry figures are commemorating the first anniversary of Giorgio Armani’s death and his influence on Milan’s international fashion and design profile.

Italian Grand Prix at Monza Sells Out Ahead of Ferrari’s Home Race

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza has sold out for the upcoming Formula One Italian Grand Prix, boosting regional hospitality demand as Ferrari prepares for its home event.

AS Roma Prepares for Champions League Return Under Gian Piero Gasperini

Roma is preparing to face Fenerbahce in its first Champions League appearance since 2018 under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

AS Roma and UN World Food Programme Launch Humanitarian Partnership for Nepal

The football club has partnered with the Rome-based World Food Programme to support food security and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable communities in Nepal.

ECB’s Lagarde Says Digital Euro Would Strengthen European Monetary Sovereignty

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said a digital euro would reinforce the European Union’s monetary autonomy, drawing attention from Italy’s banking and financial technology industries.

Italy Opens Final Applications for €109 Million Tourism Modernisation Fund

The Tourism Ministry and Invitalia are closing applications for €109 million in support designed to help small and medium-sized tourism businesses invest in digital technology and energy efficiency.

Lake Como, Amalfi Coast and Venice See Strong Luxury Hotel Demand

High-end hotels in several of Italy’s leading destinations are selling out months in advance despite higher nightly rates, reflecting continued strength in premium tourism.

New National Future Party Reaches 8% in Polls, Challenging Meloni From the Right

A new movement led by former general Roberto Vannacci has reached 8% support in national polling, adding competition on the right of Italy’s fragmented political landscape.