Stories from Rome · Italy

The Italian Referees Association (AIA) will convene its National Committee to address recent leadership issues. Zappi faces accusations of inducing the resignations of officials Maurizio Ciampi, Alessandro Pizzi, and others. The hearing follows internal investigations into the association's governance. Internal issues within the Italian refereeing class are being examined alongside investigations into arbitration chief Rocchi. Discussions involve potential connections between Rocchi and an Inter Milan member. The Minister has previously expressed clear positions on the matter. The current situation is described as a delicate moment for the organization. Officials are currently reviewing documents and social media posts from Minister Bodis to determine the next steps. The situation may lead to a formal transition from the current commissioner.

The Italian Revenue Agency reached 36,662 personnel units as of December 31, 2025. This represents an approximate 5 percent increase compared to the end of 2024. In late 2020, the agency staff count stood at just over 31,000 units. Total recoveries reached 36.2 billion euros, representing an 8.4 percent increase compared to 2024. This amount constitutes 2.8 billion euros more than the previous year's total.

Marriage ceremonies in Italy have decreased by 6.7 percent compared to the previous year. The decline is most pronounced in religious weddings, which are being increasingly replaced by civil ceremonies. Civil marriages now account for nearly 60 percent of all unions in the country. Analysts suggest the trend is driven by the high cost and scale of traditional Italian weddings, which often involve over 100 guests. Most weddings traditionally occur during the spring or June months. Large-scale wedding events involving over 100 guests are common in Catholic regions during spring and summer. Approximately 24,000 euros are spent per wedding, excluding honeymoon and engagement ring costs. One in four marriages is now a second or subsequent marriage. The number of same-sex partnerships increased by more than 7 percent in 2023, totaling over 3,000 cases, primarily in the Milan region.

Hundreds of people were detained amid a bloody confrontation in Rome. The event occurred on May Day. The number of people detained was in the hundreds.

A man on a scooter wearing a full-face helmet and a green military jacket shot a man and a woman in Rome. The victim, a man, was struck twice in the neck, while the woman was hit once in the shoulder. Both individuals sustained minor injuries. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from three cameras to identify the perpetrator.

Italian schools have implemented a system where student behavior can influence grade retention. The Italian Ministry reported that nearly half of all assaults against teachers last year were committed by parents. The measure aims to address rising violence within educational institutions. The law, adopted in 2024, was implemented starting in September 2025. Students must maintain a behavior score above 5 out of 10 to avoid retention. Students can no longer receive a grade below 5 out of 10 for minor infractions like delays, chatter, or voice lapses. New requirements mandate that a grade below 5 must be based on documented cases of serious and repeated violence. This intervention follows previous debates over vague language in the original legislation.

A radio segment discussing foods that evoke disgust featured a caller from Imperia who expressed a strong aversion to Gorgonzola cheese due to its smell. The host, however, defended the cheese, calling it 'one of life's pleasures' and noting its popularity.

Tensions flared in Rome and Milan, with incidents involving anti-Semitic slogans and insults. In Rome, clashes occurred near Porta San Paolo when a group with Ukrainian flags arrived, leading to the use of pepper spray and involvement of police officers. The president of Matteo Alice sustained a corneal abrasion.

A public manager named Turner has declined a 7.3 million euro bonus following an appointment to the presidency of Lenny. The decision follows directives from Prime Minister Meloni regarding public management compensation. The manager will instead receive a severance package of 108,750 euros.

The Italian Jewish community has voiced formal criticism regarding the activities or stances of a national partisan association.