Rome Times

Italy Opens Women’s Basketball World Cup With Victory Over Czech Republic

Italy began its Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in Berlin with a win over the Czech Republic, led by a strong performance from Matilde Villa that improved the team’s prospects of advancing.

Sammontana Targets International Expansion as Italian Ice Cream Consumption Weakens

Tuscan ice cream and frozen pastry producer Sammontana is pursuing organic growth and overseas acquisitions as softer domestic out-of-home spending pushes the company to expand further across Europe.

Ferrero Doubles North American Breakfast Revenue After Purely Elizabeth Acquisition

Ferrero said its North American breakfast business has recorded strong growth following the Purely Elizabeth acquisition, helping the Alba-based group diversify beyond its traditional chocolate and hazelnut products.

La Doria Acquires Gruppo Solana to Strengthen Tomato Supply Chain

Italian food processor La Doria has acquired full ownership of tomato specialist Gruppo Solana, strengthening traceability and supply stability across its Made in Italy export business.

Bunge Invests €4.4 Million to Expand Soybean Processing at Port of Ravenna

Global agribusiness group Bunge is investing €4.4 million at its Porto Corsini terminal in Ravenna to increase soybean storage and processing capacity for Italy’s food supply chain.

September Overtakes August as Preferred Travel Month for Italy

Tourism authorities and online search data show double-digit growth in September travel interest as high summer temperatures, overtourism and elevated prices increasingly shift visitor demand away from the traditional August peak.

Italy Extends €109 Million GreenTour Fund Deadline for Sustainable Hotel Investment

The Tourism Ministry and Invitalia extended the application period for the €109 million GreenTour programme, which supports hotels and resorts investing in solar energy, digital upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements.

European Union Moves Toward Tighter Short-Term Rental Rules Affecting Italian Cities

Proposed European Union measures would give Italian municipalities greater power to restrict short-term tourist rentals and some secondary-home purchases in areas facing severe housing pressure.

Florence Femicide Renews National Debate Over Protection for Domestic Abuse Victims

The killing of Lorena Isceri by a man who later died by suicide has prompted renewed parliamentary calls for stronger restraining orders and more effective state protection for people at risk of domestic violence.

Sixth African Anticyclone Pushes Temperatures Back Toward 38 Degrees Across Italy

Italian meteorological services issued renewed health warnings as another subtropical high-pressure system drives temperatures toward 38 degrees Celsius across central and southern regions, worsening drought conditions.

Extreme Heat Drives Further Permafrost Thaw and Rockfalls on Italy’s Monviso Massif

Geologists and climate scientists say intense summer heat is accelerating permafrost loss on Monviso in the Piedmont Alps, contributing to major rockfalls and forcing the closure of historic climbing routes.

Italian Business Leaders Remain Optimistic on 2026 Revenue Growth at Ambrosetti Forum

More than 72% of Italian and international executives surveyed at the European House Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio expect revenue growth in 2026 despite continued geopolitical uncertainty.

Mattarella Defends Regional Autonomy and Warns Against Growing Reliance on Military Force

President Sergio Mattarella used appearances in Trento and Cernobbio to defend democratic decentralization while warning about the deterioration of the international security environment and the growing use of military force.

Volkswagen Explores Possible Sale of Ducati Amid Wider Cost-Cutting Drive

Volkswagen has asked investment banks to examine a potential sale of Bologna-based motorcycle maker Ducati as the German group restructures and cuts spending, raising concerns about jobs and ownership of one of Italy’s best-known automot...

Stellantis Production Slump Prompts Union Calls for Government Intervention in Southern Italy

The FIM-CISL union said production at Stellantis’ Cassino plant has fallen 36% while Melfi remains heavily underused, increasing pressure on the government and company management to protect thousands of automotive jobs.

Taranto Steel Crisis Deepens as 2,500 Dismissal Letters Hit Former Ilva Supply Chain

Around 2,500 dismissal notices have been issued to workers in industries linked to the former Ilva steel plant in Taranto as Marcegaglia Group conducts due diligence on a possible acquisition, intensifying industrial tensions in southern...

Meloni Government Advances Electoral and Constitutional Reforms Aimed at Greater Executive Stability

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government will move forward with reforms intended to reduce the risk of parliamentary reversals and strengthen the ability of elected administrations to remain in office for a full five-year term.

Italy Confirms 0.2% Second-Quarter Growth as Inflation Accelerates to 3.3%

Italy’s statistics agency confirmed that gross domestic product expanded 0.2% in the second quarter while inflation rose to 3.3% in August, with higher energy costs adding pressure to household consumption.

Pope Francis Begins Major Southeast Asian Tour Focused on Interreligious Dialogue

Pope Francis is visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore on one of the longest international trips of his pontificate, highlighting the Vatican’s growing focus on Asia-Pacific Catholic communities and interreligious...

Italian Tennis Success Drives Growth in Sponsorship and Media Rights

Strong performances by Italian professional tennis players are attracting increased sponsorship and advertising spending while raising the commercial value of domestic broadcast rights and sports merchandise.

Lake Garda Hosts Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Summit Focused on AI

Technology vendors and Italian business executives are meeting at Lake Garda to discuss artificial intelligence, advanced logistics and cross-border e-commerce for small and medium-sized companies.

Italian Companies Increase Spending on Net-Zero Buildings

Italian corporations are raising investment in energy-efficient buildings and sustainable architecture as European Union climate rules and long-term energy savings drive changes in commercial property portfolios.

Milan Fashion Week Draws Strong International Buyer Interest Despite Luxury Slowdown

Fashion houses and organizers in Milan report robust attendance commitments from global buyers and media ahead of fashion week despite weaker conditions across the wider luxury goods market.

Italian Fintech Companies Expand Across European Payments Market

Italian financial technology startups continue to attract investment as domestic digital payment providers expand into neighboring European markets and compete with established banking groups.

Fincantieri Emphasizes AI and Digitalization as Shipbuilding Competition Intensifies

Fincantieri says artificial intelligence, digitalization and advanced maritime engineering are becoming central to maintaining Italy’s competitiveness in cruise ship and naval vessel construction.

Italian Banks Face Scrutiny Over Continued Fossil Fuel Financing

Environmental groups and financial analysts are questioning billions of euros in fossil fuel financing by major Italian banks including Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit, intensifying debate over their environmental commitments.

Italian Telecom Operators Seek Regulatory Relief as Network Costs Rise

Telecommunications companies are pressing the government for regulatory changes and financial support as high energy costs and heavy investment in 5G and fiber networks squeeze industry margins.

Palermo Forum Targets Growth in Italy’s €180 Billion Maritime Economy

Government officials and shipping executives have gathered in Palermo to develop Italy’s National Sea Plan, focused on ports, Mediterranean logistics and maritime trade links between Europe and the Middle East.

Italian Hospitals Face Rising Staff Shortages and Longer Waiting Times

Health authorities and medical groups across Italy say shortages of nurses and specialist doctors are delaying elective care despite increased post-pandemic funding, adding pressure for broader healthcare reform.

Italy’s Rail Infrastructure Manager Fined Nearly €2 Million After High-Speed Network Disruption

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana has been fined almost €2 million after technical failures at Rome’s Termini station caused widespread disruption to high-speed rail services across the country.

Italian Companies Expand China Engagement After Bilateral Trade Relaunch

Italian fashion, automotive and energy groups are increasing commercial activity in China following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent visit, as Rome seeks to rebalance economic ties after leaving the Belt and Road Initiative.

Italy’s Autumn Tourism Bookings Surge as Heat Reshapes Travel Patterns

Italian tourism authorities report unusually strong September bookings across coastal and cultural destinations as prolonged summer heat shifts seasonal travel patterns and luxury tourism remains strong.

Italy’s Labour Ministry Studies State-Backed Pension Fund for Newborns

Labour Minister Marina Calderone says the government is evaluating a supplementary pension fund established at birth as Italy seeks longer-term responses to demographic decline and future retirement pressures.

Italian Leaders Gather at Ambrosetti Forum to Discuss Industry and Geopolitical Risks

Political leaders, finance ministers and corporate executives are meeting at Villa d’Este on Lake Como to discuss European manufacturing, Mediterranean supply chains and the outlook for European Central Bank interest rates.

Italian Banking Consolidation Continues Around Monte dei Paschi and Mediobanca

European Central Bank approvals linked to corporate restructuring at Monte dei Paschi di Siena are drawing renewed attention to consolidation and ownership changes across Italy’s banking sector.

Italy’s Smart Infrastructure Market Reaches €1.36 Billion as AI Use Expands

Italy’s intelligent infrastructure market has grown to €1.36 billion as public and private operators increasingly use artificial intelligence and digital twins to monitor bridges, ports and electricity networks.

Northern Italy Mobilizes Emergency Water Supplies After 110 Days Without Significant Rain

Authorities in Lombardy and Piedmont are deploying tanker trucks and emergency water networks as prolonged drought depletes reservoirs and threatens agricultural production in the Po River basin.

Italian Renewables Growth Lags EU Average as Energy Strategy Faces Scrutiny

Italy’s renewable energy capacity grew by 2.6%, well below the European Union average of 8.7%, renewing concerns over the country’s reliance on natural gas and slower expansion of wind and solar power.

Italy Extends Border Controls With Slovenia Over Security and Migration Concerns

Italy’s Interior Ministry has extended checks along the Slovenian border, citing national security concerns and irregular migration through the Balkan route and Mediterranean corridors.

Meloni Cites Government Stability as Key to Italy’s Economic Reform Agenda

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the longevity of her government gives Italy greater scope to pursue economic reforms, attract foreign investment and manage negotiations over European Union fiscal policy.

Italy Considers Scaling Back Direct Training of Ukrainian Forces

Italian defense officials are reviewing Rome’s participation in upcoming European military training programs for Ukrainian troops while maintaining broader diplomatic and financial support for Kyiv within NATO.