Stories from Italy

The Sicilian regional government has allocated €700 million in its own resources to support regional initiatives. This follows similar funding allocations in Calabria at €80.8 million and Sardinia at €5.5 million. The move is part of broader regional fiscal management discussed in the context of recent decrees.

Cyclone Erria caused significant damage to the coasts of Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia on January 18, 2026. The event is remembered as one of the worst in the region's history.

The Italian Committee for Legislation has pointed out that a proposed bill lacks a technical-normative analysis. This committee plays a role within the chamber, and its opinion highlights deficiencies in the legislative proposal being discussed.

Gianluca Rocchi, the head of Italy's football referees, is under investigation by the Milan prosecutor's office for alleged sporting fraud. The Milanese prosecution is currently examining five specific matches following a complaint from former officials Domenico Rocca and Guardalini. The investigation involves the Serie A and Serie B leagues. Current investigations into Italian football are related to the previous season, particularly concerning two match designations in the Coppa Italia and Bologna Inter matches. These inquiries may have provided a decisive impetus for changes that were already underway. The alleged incidents relate to a match on April 2, 2025. The Milan Public Prosecutor's office has identified four or five matches, not from the current season, as being under scrutiny.

Four former and current presidents of the Sicilian region are under judicial investigation for alleged failures in their duties. The investigation includes former presidents Musumeci, Schifani, Crocetta, and Lombardo. The scrutiny focuses on actions and inactions within Sicily.

The historical significance of the first partisan republic in Italy, established in the area between Modena and Reggio Emilia, is being highlighted. This region, particularly around Montefiorino, was liberated by the Modena Centro Brigade between June and August 1944, covering an extensive area of approximately 200 square kilometers.

Reports suggest that in Italy, students could face fines ranging from €500 to €10,000 for serious and repeated misconduct. According to the Italian Ministry, nearly half of all assaults against teachers last year were committed by parents. The legislation aims to address rising violence within educational environments. A transgender student has reportedly been repeatedly humiliated by a teacher who refused to recognize their gender identity. The teacher allegedly continued to use incorrect names and pronouns despite the student's requests. The student's family stated the situation has persisted for months and has caused daily suffering. The act of releasing non-native species into the marine environment is a crime under Italian law. The women could face a fine of up to 150,000 euros or three years in prison. No injuries were reported during the incident, though damages were noted.

Investigations in Monza have uncovered allegations of systemic abuse within rhythmic gymnastics training programs. Coaches are accused of forcing athletes to remove clothing as punishment for mistakes, leaving them in underwear. The allegations involve intercepted phone calls and include high-profile gymnasts such as Sofia Raffaelli.

A man and a woman were injured by an air pistol during a demonstration in Rome on April 25. Italian police (DIGOS) are currently investigating the incident. Italian Digos investigators are currently focusing their search on far-right extremist circles. The incident has led to accusations of antisemitism from the Jewish community. A partisan president has promised a defamation lawsuit in response to the accusations. Police have detained a 21-year-old man in connection with the incident. A 21-year-old man identified as Eti Hambondi was detained in connection with an attack in Rome on April 25. Authorities identified the suspect via a scooter license plate captured by multiple cameras. The suspect reportedly claimed to be part of the Roman Jewish community and has appointed a lawyer. The event involved the injury of a man and a woman, both members of Anpi.

Two members of the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI) were wounded in a shooting in Rome.