Stories from Italy

Italian prosecutor Gianluca Rocci is under investigation for suspected sports corruption. The investigation concerns the influence of a match between Inter and Bologna held last year. Rocci has been removed from his position following the probe. The investigation is being handled by the Italian Public Prosecutor's Office.

Gianluca Rocchi, the referee designator for Italy's Serie A and Serie B, is under investigation by Milan prosecutors. The probe concerns allegations of sporting fraud within the professional football leagues. Specifically named individuals include Rocchi, Marco Gervasoni of the Italian Referees Association, Daniele Paterna, Rodolfo Di Vuovo, and Luigi Nazca. No club executives or players are currently under investigation, according to the report. The investigation is described as being restricted to the officiating sector at this stage. Italian football officials are facing scrutiny following a scandal involving a referee decision. A pen reportedly caused a one-nil win for Udinese against Parma. Italian journalists report widespread public frustration and calls for systemic reform due to perceived corruption.

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.

Two detainees, Manu Cervafoi and Navid Nagdi, were sentenced to death for the alleged killing of Besige security agents. An organization reported that the individuals were subjected to severe torture to force confessions. While authorities declared the deaths as suicides, the organization claims the deaths were a direct result of torture. Judicial proceedings in Besige have highlighted allegations of torture against detainees prior to their deaths. Media reports have noted threatening language used by Monseniegei toward detainees linked to war-related events. Provincial court presidents were instructed that proceedings regarding enemy collaborators must not be influenced by prejudice.

Approximately 500 demonstrators gathered at Lungo Lago to protest against a group of roughly 100 neo-fascist and neo-Nazi organizers. The opposing group held a ceremony to commemorate executed fascist leaders. Expert Antonia La Barranca observed the event, noting the apologetic nature of the fascist commemoration. The protest included members from the PD, Movimento Cinque Stelle, CGL, and local associations. Participants held a loud demonstration to reinforce anti-fascist values. The group included representatives from the Democratic Party (PD), Five Star Movement, and the CGIL trade union.

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.

The municipality of Macca Storna, which has a population of approximately 70 residents, has been identified as the wealthiest in Italy. Data from the 2025 income tax declarations shows a per capita income of approximately 73,000 euros. This figure surpasses Portofino, which previously held the top position. Milan was ranked ninth in the same classification. Macca Storna has overtaken Portofino as Italy's wealthiest municipality based on per capita income data. The report notes that 20% of taxpayers contribute to the overall figures.

Political groups in Basilicata, including Fratelli d'Italia and Lega, are using parliamentary obstructionism to prevent a regional referendum. The referendum concerns the cancellation of new mini-pensions for elected officials introduced in December. A popular revolt led to a petition with 30,000 signatures to repeal the measure. Organizers are currently working to collect the 5,000 signatures required to officially trigger the consultative referendum.