Stories from Italy

Authorities are investigating allegations of pressure placed on VAR officials during a March 2025 match between Udinese and Parma. The incident involved a penalty that was initially denied before being awarded following external solicitation. Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi has suspended himself following an investigation by the Milan Prosecutor's Office. The probe involves three counts of misconduct related to the manipulation of referee assignments for two 2025 Serie A matches. The investigation is reportedly linked to the Nerazzurro club. The investigation alleges he manipulated referee assignments for two 2025 Serie A matches and violated VAR protocols during an Udinese-Parma match. The probe suggests the official may have selected referees unfavorable to Inter Milan. Additionally, the official is accused of interfering with a decision during a previous Udinese and Parma match.

The Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan has surpassed 300,000 visitors. President Maria Porro stated the event has confirmed its strong position despite previous concerns. The high attendance numbers occurred within the Rho district's exhibition area. The event's success has reportedly mitigated earlier fears regarding visitor turnout. The 64th edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan concluded with 316,342 attendees recorded as of 12:30. The event drew participants from 167 different countries. President Maria Porro described the edition as positive despite global challenges including tariffs, wars, and energy crises.

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.

Witnesses reported hearing three loud booms while dining at a location. Patrons scrambled for cover under tables as panic spread through the crowd. The source could not immediately confirm if the shots were fired by a single individual or a group. Three loud gunshots were heard inside a dining establishment, causing patrons to flee and dive under tables. The exact number of casualties or the identity of the shooter remains unconfirmed.

Gianluca Rocchi, the referee designer for Italy's Serie A and Serie B, is under investigation in Milan for complicity in sports fraud. Sports Minister Boni stated there will be consequences if responsibility is established. Discussions regarding the stability of the Italian football system have intensified following the resignation of Calcio Gravina. The situation involves concerns over the integrity of the system and potential issues regarding financial stability. Regulatory links now exist to allow for the potential external administration of Federcaggio. The President of the CONI and Minister Abodich are reportedly taking a hard stance on the matter. The investigation into FIGC arbitration chief Rocchi is described as a potential timed legal action intended to disrupt upcoming leadership elections.

Despite Venice's reputation for high costs, traditional 'austerie' offer affordable dining for locals. Historical venues in St. Mark's Square also provide cultural experiences with live music, though Vaporetto tickets remain expensive for non-residents.

Radio 24 discusses allergies, with a guest describing severe annual suffering during May. Remedies mentioned include masks, throat lozenges, and coffee, though coffee might stimulate histamine. The discussion touches on the ineffectiveness of homeopathic treatments for allergies, which are described as the body mistaking pollen for a virus. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are presented as the primary medical interventions. Radio 24 in Milan discussed allergies, noting that late spring is the worst time of year for sufferers. Remedies mentioned include eye drops, antihistamines, blackcurrant, onions, capers, green tea, honey, and pineapple. Vitamin C and certain components in blackcurrant may have a minor effect.

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.

Italian design is characterized by its ability to infuse cultural value and meaning into functional products, a key asset that has strengthened the country's global competitiveness. This approach has evolved from functional furniture to integrating design into family landscapes, humanizing productions. Recent years have seen design gain vigor through research into material reuse and recycling, reflecting Italy's historical capacity to achieve much with limited resources.

Radio Popolare featured John Lennon's 1970 song 'Working Class Hero,' highlighting its critique of society and the way people are 'trained.' The song was played alongside Rage Against the Machine's 'Know Your Enemy' as part of a program discussing revolution, resistance, and freedom. The station also played Rage Against the Machine's 'Self or Nothing' in recognition of April 25th.