Stories from Rome · Italy

The Sports Prosecutor's Office rejected an appeal by Antonio Zappi, confirming his 13-month disqualification. The sanction follows findings of improper pressure exerted on technical bodies within the Serie C and Serie D leagues.

The Italian government has issued a decree regarding labor matters containing several small interventions. Incentives will be renewed for permanent hiring of individuals under 35 and women who have been unemployed for at least two years. Monthly subsidies for eligible workers can reach up to 650 euros. This measure seeks to align the system with a minimum wage based on collective bargaining. The relief is also specifically targeted at businesses in Southern Italy. The measure aims to facilitate the hiring of women and young people. The decree also introduces norms to combat digital labor exploitation, specifically targeting the 'caporalato digitale' affecting riders. The text was presented by Nito Puso. The Meloni government has allocated over one billion euros to support the hiring of women under the age of 35 and workers in ZES zones.

The number of employed persons in Italy saw a slight decrease of 0.1 percent in February. The inflation rate measured by the IPCA index reached 1.6 percent in March. This figure represents an acceleration compared to the previous 1.01 percent rate in 2026. The rate remains lower than the Eurozone average and was among the most contained among major European countries in March. A higher proportion of families expect price increases due to international scenario concerns. The tax burden for the average worker in Italy may see a slight decrease of 0.16 percentage points following the extension of the OSS. Despite this potential reduction, the tax burden remains significantly high. The report was based on data regarding the extension of the OSS.

Annual loss of purchasing power in Italy is estimated to reach over 3,000 euros for a teacher. Despite this decline, net foreign demand showed growth. Investments increased by 0.9%, driven by residential sectors. Projections suggest Italy's annual GDP growth for 2026 could reach 0.3% if current cyclical variations remain neutral. Italy's composite business confidence indicator recorded its second consecutive decline in March. The cyclical variation for the four quarters of 2026 was 0.3%, while the average for the December-February quarter was 0.4%. Construction production saw a 0.5% seasonal increase in February following three months of decline. However, the moving quarterly dynamic remains negative at -1%. Exports fell by 2.2% and imports decreased by 4.2% during the January-February period. The data covers five sectors: pharmaceuticals, transport, metallurgy, food, and wood.

Italian Economy Minister Giorgetti requested flexibility from Brussels regarding Italy's public accounts. The minister noted that the European stability pact must be evaluated based on actual results. Giorgetti stated that this is not an ordinary phase for financial planning. Italian Minister Giorgetti is expected to address the Council of Ministers on Thursday regarding fiscal priorities and potential tax cuts. Marco Grimaldi of Alleanza Verdesinistra commented on the difficulty of managing the economy given the 200 billion euro impact from Europe. The discussion follows recent debates regarding defense spending and competing national priorities. Italy has requested flexibility regarding the EU stability pact, according to a report by Giuseppe Colombo in Repubblica. The request specifically mentions funds related to FESA.

Italy recorded a positive net migration of 435,000 people. The increase is attributed to improvements in relations with foreign countries and the foreign-born population. Data was released by the ISTAT agency regarding 2024 and 2025 figures.

Istat, the Corte dei Conti, and Banca d'Italia have confirmed Italy's failure to exit the EU infringement procedure. The national deficit stands at 3.1% of GDP. High public debt remains a primary concern, having grown to 137% of GDP last year with projections exceeding 100% for the current year. The Superbonus program is cited as a contributing factor to these fiscal issues. The Italian Chamber of Deputies acknowledged that the Superbonus scheme contributed to the 2025 deficit exceeding 3%. Officials noted that fundamental issues for Italian public accounts include high debt levels near 140 percent of GDP and low economic growth. The discussion occurred during a hearing on the budget document. The source characterized certain labor decrees as propaganda while wages and pensions decline due to inflation.

Italian Minister Nordio is facing opposition questions regarding the potential activation of a national safeguard clause for energy expenses inflated by the Middle East war. The discussion follows certification that Italy's 2025 deficit will reach 3.1% of GDP. This figure prevents Italy from an early exit in June from the European Commission's excessive deficit procedure. No member state can unilaterally exit the stability pact, according to the report. The Lega party is calling on the Italian government to initiate a placement in Europe to activate the national safeguard clause. This action is provided for under Article 26 of the European Union Regulation. The request follows the examination of three resolutions deposited in the Chamber and the Senate, including one from the majority and one from the opposition.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering a new extension for fuel excise tax cuts despite current economic difficulties. The proposed measure may focus more on diesel than gasoline.

Italian Minister Carlo Nordio has stopped Niccol Minetti from presenting a request for grace to the President of the Republic due to irregularities in the application. Nordio also denied being arrested in Uruguay alongside Giuseppe Cipriani, a companion of Minetti.