Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said.

The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night.

"The clinical condition of Silvio Berlusconi remain stable," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said, adding that his patient's condition was "evolving regularly and expectedly, generating cautious but reasonable hope".

Berlusconi had tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa on Sardinia's jet-set Emerald Coast.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlusconi-hospitalised-as-precaution-after-positive-covid-19-test-325162">Also read|&nbsp;Berlusconi hospitalised as 'precaution' after positive COVID-19 test</a>

Zangrillo said at a news conference on Friday that Berlusconi was not on a ventilator.

The billionaire is "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses," the doctor said, adding that he should remain in hospital for "a few days".

Berlusconi, who has had a long but scandal-plagued political career, announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home.

Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina.

Berlusconi, who once owned the AC Milan football club, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities.

"I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on television and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference held by the women's movement of his Forza Italia party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-but-not-out-berlusconi-could-hold-key-to-italian-governments-future-311918">Also read|&nbsp;Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future</a>

Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians.

The twice-divorced Berlusconi, famed for his steamy dinner parties, grabbed headlines in March after he reportedly split from his longtime girlfriend Francesca Pascale to date Fascina, an MP from his party who is over 50 years his junior.

At the time, the dating antics of the man at the centre of the famous "bunga-bunga" soirees brought Italians a welcome distraction as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on the country.

Berlusconi is the latest in a line of celebrities and prominent people who have contracted the coronavirus since it was first discovered in Wuhan City, in China in December last year.

The list includes Paris Saint-Germain football players including Brazilian star Neymar, as well as movie stars Tom Hanks and Robert Pattinson, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and heir to the British throne Prince Charles.

Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night.

Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night. "The clinical condition of Silvio Berlusconi remain stable," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said, adding that his patient's condition was "evolving regularly and expectedly, generating cautious but reasonable hope". Berlusconi had tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa on Sardinia's jet-set Emerald Coast. Also read| Berlusconi hospitalised as 'precaution' after positive COVID-19 test Zangrillo said at a news conference on Friday that Berlusconi was not on a ventilator. The billionaire is "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses," the doctor said, adding that he should remain in hospital for "a few days". Berlusconi, who has had a long but scandal-plagued political career, announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home. Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina. Berlusconi, who once owned the AC Milan football club, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities. "I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on television and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference held by the women's movement of his Forza Italia party. Also read| Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians. The twice-divorced Berlusconi, famed for his steamy dinner parties, grabbed headlines in March after he reportedly split from his longtime girlfriend Francesca Pascale to date Fascina, an MP from his party who is over 50 years his junior. At the time, the dating antics of the man at the centre of the famous "bunga-bunga" soirees brought Italians a welcome distraction as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on the country. Berlusconi is the latest in a line of celebrities and prominent people who have contracted the coronavirus since it was first discovered in Wuhan City, in China in December last year. The list includes Paris Saint-Germain football players including Brazilian star Neymar, as well as movie stars Tom Hanks and Robert Pattinson, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and heir to the British throne Prince Charles.

Italy's Berlusconi 'stable' after coronavirus hospitalisation

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday.

Alberto Zangrillo, Berlusconi's personal physician at Milan's San Raffaele hospital, told AdnKronos news agency the former premier had no symptoms but had decided to test for COVID-19 because of his recent stay in Sardinia.

Berlusconi recently returned home from a holiday in Sardinia, which saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in August as tourists from all over the country descended on the Mediterranean island.

Berlusconi will continue working from his house in Arcore, near Milan, and to support the campaigns of candidates from his centre-right Forza Italia party at local elections scheduled for September, a statement by his staff said.

Italy, which has suffered one of Europe's worst outbreaks of COVID-19 with over 270,000 confirmed cases and some 35,500 deaths, has managed to contain the contagion since a peak in fatalities and infections in March and April.

However, the country recorded a steady increase in new cases in August, with experts blaming gatherings of people associated with holidays and nightlife.

Politicians across the political spectrum sent support messages to Berlusconi, a four-times prime minister.

"I want to wish Silvio Berlusconi a speedy recovery on behalf of our members. He will fight this new battle forcefully," centre-left Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, who also recovered from COVID-19, wrote on Twitter.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday. Alberto Zangrillo, Berlusconi's personal physician at Milan's San Raffaele hospital, told AdnKronos news agency the former premier had no symptoms but had decided to test for COVID-19 because of his recent stay in Sardinia. Berlusconi recently returned home from a holiday in Sardinia, which saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in August as tourists from all over the country descended on the Mediterranean island. Berlusconi will continue working from his house in Arcore, near Milan, and to support the campaigns of candidates from his centre-right Forza Italia party at local elections scheduled for September, a statement by his staff said. Italy, which has suffered one of Europe's worst outbreaks of COVID-19 with over 270,000 confirmed cases and some 35,500 deaths, has managed to contain the contagion since a peak in fatalities and infections in March and April. However, the country recorded a steady increase in new cases in August, with experts blaming gatherings of people associated with holidays and nightlife. Politicians across the political spectrum sent support messages to Berlusconi, a four-times prime minister. "I want to wish Silvio Berlusconi a speedy recovery on behalf of our members. He will fight this new battle forcefully," centre-left Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, who also recovered from COVID-19, wrote on Twitter.

Italy's former PM Berlusconi tests positive for coronavirus

Defending Champions Juventus will begin their 2020/21 Serie A campaign hoping for a 10th consecutive league win on the weekend of September 19-20, according to the calendar unveiled on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-el-clasicos-to-madrid-derbies-la-liga-schedule-announced-324717" hreflang="en">From El Clasicos to Madrid Derbies: La Liga schedule announced!</a>

They will be hosting Sampdoria.&nbsp;

Juventus will be the only Italian club involved in the Champions League to play in the opening round of fixtures.

League runners-up Inter Milan travel to promoted Benevento while Atalanta, who finished third, is away at fourth-placed Lazio, those two matches a week later because of their European involvement.

The opening weekend will also witness Zlatan Ibrahimovic's AC Milan hosting Bologna and Napoli making the trip to Palermo. Roma will play an away game Hellas Verona.&nbsp;

Heavyweights Juventus and Inter Milan will face each other in 2021. The teams will play each other on January 17 in Milan and May 16 in Turin.&nbsp;

Defending Champions Juventus will begin their 2020/21 Serie A campaign hoping for a 10th consecutive league win on the weekend of September 19-20, according to the calendar unveiled on Wednesday.

Defending Champions Juventus will begin their 2020/21 Serie A campaign hoping for a 10th consecutive league win on the weekend of September 19-20, according to the calendar unveiled on Wednesday. Also read: From El Clasicos to Madrid Derbies: La Liga schedule announced! They will be hosting Sampdoria. Juventus will be the only Italian club involved in the Champions League to play in the opening round of fixtures. League runners-up Inter Milan travel to promoted Benevento while Atalanta, who finished third, is away at fourth-placed Lazio, those two matches a week later because of their European involvement. The opening weekend will also witness Zlatan Ibrahimovic's AC Milan hosting Bologna and Napoli making the trip to Palermo. Roma will play an away game Hellas Verona. Heavyweights Juventus and Inter Milan will face each other in 2021. The teams will play each other on January 17 in Milan and May 16 in Turin.

Defending champs Juventus to begin Serie A season against Sampdoria

Just one day to go before the start of the world's first real-life film festival in Venice but will anyone actually be coming? The 77th edition of the film festival is going ahead with strict COVID regulations. No public at the red carpet, restricted numbers in the screenings with facial coverings and social distancing all being strictly adhered to.

The stage is set but will anyone come? Venice awaits start of film festival

With theaters closed around the world, three South American dancers have created a digital dance-off for aspiring twirlers, with Instagram as the new stage where competitors from Argentina and Brazil to Israel and Italy post clips of their moves.

A digital dance-off spreads from Argentina to the world

A fishing boat carrying nearly 370 migrants landed overnight on the Italian island of Lampedusa, the country's news agencies said on Sunday, fueling anger from local officials over a recent rise in illegal arrivals.&nbsp;

Italy has been struggling in recent months with daily arrivals of hundreds of migrants leaving from North Africa to its southern shores, a task complicated by security measures imposed by the ongoing coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Local Lampedusa Mayor Toto Martello called for a general strike on the island from Monday to protest the national government's "frightening silence" on the issue.

"Lampedusa can no longer cope with this situation. Either the government takes immediate decisions or the whole island will go on strike," Martello told ANSA news agency. "We can't manage the emergency and the situation is now really unsustainable."

The boat carrying 367 people, which was in danger of sinking due to high winds, was escorted by the Italian coast guard and police to the island's port, ANSA news agency said.

Those onboard included 13 women and 33 minors.

They were met at the port by a demonstration organised by the far-right, anti-immigrant League party.

The migrants, whose nationalities were not known, underwent temperature checks before they were taken to an emergency reception centre on the island which now houses some 1,160 people, ten times its planned maximum capacity, Martello told ANSA.

About 30 other small boats, mostly from the Tunisian coast, had already reached the island since Friday carrying a total of around 500 migrants, the Italian press reported.

"If a fishing boat of this size with hundreds of people arrives here and nobody notices it, it means that there are no controls in the Mediterranean," Martello said. "But what do the military vessels do? We are not at war, why not use them for security interventions at sea and to transfer migrants."

Nello Musumeci, the right-leaning leader of sister island Sicily, on Sunday wrote on Facebook that he would ask the government for a meeting on the "humanitarian and health crisis".&nbsp;

"Lampedusa can't do it anymore. Sicily cannot continue to pay for the indifference of Brussels and the silence of Rome," he wrote.

Musumeci issued a decree last week ordering the closure of migrant centres in Sicily to curb the spread of coronavirus, a move that was rejected by the Italian courts.

Mayors on the island have voiced fears that the presence of migrants could discourage tourism.

Thousands of people are thought to have died making the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean to flee conflict, repression and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.

The migrant crisis has divided the European Union. Italy two years ago closed its ports to rescue boats, until in 2019, France and Germany agreed to share intake of migrants landing in Italy and Malta.

<h2>'Traumatic injuries'&nbsp;</h2>

According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, attempts by migrant boats to cross the Mediterranean into Europe have increased this year, up 91 percent from January to July over last year's figures, to more than 14,000 people.

The Italian coast guard on Saturday also transported 49 people who had been rescued in the Mediterranean by the MV Louise Michel, a vessel funded by the British street artist Banksy.

The 150 other passengers on that ship were transferred late Saturday to the humanitarian rescue boat Sea-Watch 4, which now has some 350 people on board and is looking for a port of disembarkation.

The crew of the vessel chartered by German NGO Sea Watch and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) wrote on Twitter that it was treating people for "fuel burns, dehydration, hypothermia &amp; traumatic injuries".

The German-flagged Louise Michel had said it needed aid after helping a boat carrying at least one dead migrant in the sea that divides Africa and Europe.

Its crew said the 31-metre (101-foot) Louise Michel had become overcrowded and unable to move, warning that some of the migrants had fuel burns and had been at sea for days.

The rescued migrants later said three people had died at sea before the arrival of the Louise Michel.

Banksy, who keeps his identity a secret, explained in an online video that he had bought the boat to help migrants "because EU authorities deliberately ignore distress calls from non-Europeans".

A fishing boat carrying nearly 370 migrants landed overnight on the Italian island of Lampedusa, the country's news agencies said on Sunday, fueling anger from local officials over a recent rise in illegal arrivals.

A fishing boat carrying nearly 370 migrants landed overnight on the Italian island of Lampedusa, the country's news agencies said on Sunday, fueling anger from local officials over a recent rise in illegal arrivals. Italy has been struggling in recent months with daily arrivals of hundreds of migrants leaving from North Africa to its southern shores, a task complicated by security measures imposed by the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Local Lampedusa Mayor Toto Martello called for a general strike on the island from Monday to protest the national government's "frightening silence" on the issue. "Lampedusa can no longer cope with this situation. Either the government takes immediate decisions or the whole island will go on strike," Martello told ANSA news agency. "We can't manage the emergency and the situation is now really unsustainable." The boat carrying 367 people, which was in danger of sinking due to high winds, was escorted by the Italian coast guard and police to the island's port, ANSA news agency said. Those onboard included 13 women and 33 minors. They were met at the port by a demonstration organised by the far-right, anti-immigrant League party. The migrants, whose nationalities were not known, underwent temperature checks before they were taken to an emergency reception centre on the island which now houses some 1,160 people, ten times its planned maximum capacity, Martello told ANSA. About 30 other small boats, mostly from the Tunisian coast, had already reached the island since Friday carrying a total of around 500 migrants, the Italian press reported. "If a fishing boat of this size with hundreds of people arrives here and nobody notices it, it means that there are no controls in the Mediterranean," Martello said. "But what do the military vessels do? We are not at war, why not use them for security interventions at sea and to transfer migrants." Nello Musumeci, the right-leaning leader of sister island Sicily, on Sunday wrote on Facebook that he would ask the government for a meeting on the "humanitarian and health crisis". "Lampedusa can't do it anymore. Sicily cannot continue to pay for the indifference of Brussels and the silence of Rome," he wrote. Musumeci issued a decree last week ordering the closure of migrant centres in Sicily to curb the spread of coronavirus, a move that was rejected by the Italian courts. Mayors on the island have voiced fears that the presence of migrants could discourage tourism. Thousands of people are thought to have died making the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean to flee conflict, repression and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. The migrant crisis has divided the European Union. Italy two years ago closed its ports to rescue boats, until in 2019, France and Germany agreed to share intake of migrants landing in Italy and Malta. 'Traumatic injuries' According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, attempts by migrant boats to cross the Mediterranean into Europe have increased this year, up 91 percent from January to July over last year's figures, to more than 14,000 people. The Italian coast guard on Saturday also transported 49 people who had been rescued in the Mediterranean by the MV Louise Michel, a vessel funded by the British street artist Banksy. The 150 other passengers on that ship were transferred late Saturday to the humanitarian rescue boat Sea-Watch 4, which now has some 350 people on board and is looking for a port of disembarkation. The crew of the vessel chartered by German NGO Sea Watch and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) wrote on Twitter that it was treating people for "fuel burns, dehydration, hypothermia & traumatic injuries". The German-flagged Louise Michel had said it needed aid after helping a boat carrying at least one dead migrant in the sea that divides Africa and Europe. Its crew said the 31-metre (101-foot) Louise Michel had become overcrowded and unable to move, warning that some of the migrants had fuel burns and had been at sea for days. The rescued migrants later said three people had died at sea before the arrival of the Louise Michel. Banksy, who keeps his identity a secret, explained in an online video that he had bought the boat to help migrants "because EU authorities deliberately ignore distress calls from non-Europeans".

More migrant arrivals fuel local anger in Italy's Lampedusa

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Berlin are discussing tensions in the area, where the two NATO members are locked in a standoff observers fear could accidentally tip into conflict.

Turkey on Thursday announced new "gunnery exercises" at the edge of its territorial waters in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, after Greece -- joined by France, Cyprus and Italy -- staged its own war games.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392#cyprus-323383">Have a look|&nbsp;Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

"We need a diplomatic solution to this conflict... The preconditions for these talks are that these manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, are stopped," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who has tried to mediate between the two countries, told reporters in Berlin.

"For sure the parties will not sit down at the table when warships are facing each other in the eastern Mediterranean."

The EU has long been angered by Turkey sending ships on exploratory missions to drill for gas in waters claimed by Cyprus and earlier this year imposed sanctions on two Turkish nationals involved in the work.

The bloc's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell will present ministers with a "range of options" for dealing with Turkey, officials say, though he has been keen to stress the importance of keeping dialogue with Ankara going.

But there is pressure from some quarters for tough action on Turkey, and while the Berlin meeting is an informal one, with no decisions to be taken, EU leaders will focus on the issue at a summit next month.

"Europe's credibility is at stake. The European Union, a union of 27 member states, must stand up for international values, for a global international order based on the values and principles of the European Union," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said as he arrived for the talks in Berlin.

"EU solidarity must be real and substantial."

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His Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg said the eastern Mediterranean was an "ever-growing powder keg" where the number of naval vessels made incidents "almost inevitable"

"Turkey disregards all conventions... international law cannot be negotiated," he added.

Ahead of the Berlin talks, a senior EU official said Borrell wanted ministers to consider the bloc's relationship with Turkey in its entirety, stressing that whatever difficulties there might be, Ankara remained a "very important neighbour" that had to be managed.

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders.

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders. EU foreign ministers meeting in Berlin are discussing tensions in the area, where the two NATO members are locked in a standoff observers fear could accidentally tip into conflict. Turkey on Thursday announced new "gunnery exercises" at the edge of its territorial waters in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, after Greece -- joined by France, Cyprus and Italy -- staged its own war games. Have a look| Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes "We need a diplomatic solution to this conflict... The preconditions for these talks are that these manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, are stopped," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who has tried to mediate between the two countries, told reporters in Berlin. "For sure the parties will not sit down at the table when warships are facing each other in the eastern Mediterranean." The EU has long been angered by Turkey sending ships on exploratory missions to drill for gas in waters claimed by Cyprus and earlier this year imposed sanctions on two Turkish nationals involved in the work. The bloc's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell will present ministers with a "range of options" for dealing with Turkey, officials say, though he has been keen to stress the importance of keeping dialogue with Ankara going. But there is pressure from some quarters for tough action on Turkey, and while the Berlin meeting is an informal one, with no decisions to be taken, EU leaders will focus on the issue at a summit next month. "Europe's credibility is at stake. The European Union, a union of 27 member states, must stand up for international values, for a global international order based on the values and principles of the European Union," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said as he arrived for the talks in Berlin. "EU solidarity must be real and substantial." × His Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg said the eastern Mediterranean was an "ever-growing powder keg" where the number of naval vessels made incidents "almost inevitable" "Turkey disregards all conventions... international law cannot be negotiated," he added. Ahead of the Berlin talks, a senior EU official said Borrell wanted ministers to consider the bloc's relationship with Turkey in its entirety, stressing that whatever difficulties there might be, Ankara remained a "very important neighbour" that had to be managed.

Mediterranean war games must stop to allow talks: Germany

They may not be wearing traditional red costumes usually donned by lifeguards but the canine members of the Italian School of Rescue Dogs (La Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio) take their jobs of saving people's lives very seriously.

Wearing red harnesses instead of costumes a team of canine lifeguards ensure beachgoers' safety at the sea

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

"Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet.

The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags.

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It did not specify the military drills' location or other details.

The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union.

Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby. "Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet. The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags. × It did not specify the military drills' location or other details. The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union. Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey says conducted Mediterranean exercise with US

The Italian government has ruled out the possibilities of imposing to lockdown to curb the coronavirus in the country despite witnessing a steady rise in new cases over the past month.

The Italian government has ruled out the possibilities of imposing to lockdown to curb the coronavirus in the country despite witnessing a steady rise in new cases over the past month. Also read: 'Chinese government has access to information of lab origin': Famous virologist claims Italy is one of the worst-hit European countries with over 35,000 deaths due to the virus. The country, on Saturday, reported 1,071 new infections exceeding 1,000 cases in a day for the first time since the government eased its rigid lockdown measures in May. "We will not have a new lockdown," Speranza told the daily newspaper La Stampa, saying the current situation cannot be compared to February and March when the disease was spreading out of control, and it was difficult to track and isolate infected people. "I am optimistic, although prudent. Our national health service has become much stronger." According to Speranza, Italy has doubled the number of beds in intensive care units. The cases of virus Italy remains considerably lower than those registered in Spain and France and daily death tolls are low. Health Undersecretary Sandra Zampa told an Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that she was convinced Italy would not impose a nationwide lockdown but did not rule out restrictions on territories where there are spikes in infection numbers. (Inputs from Reuters)

Italian government not considering another lockdown despite rise in cases

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey.

The cruise ship company MSC made the procedures, for crew as well as passengers, part of its new health and safety protocols. The MSC Grandiosa, which was christened last year,&nbsp;departed for a seven-night cruise in the western Mediterranean.

Guests were asked to wear face masks in elevators and other areas where social distancing is not possible. The crew spent time in quarantine before the start of the cruise.

Earlier this month, the Italian government gave its approval for cruise ships to once again depart from Italy’s ports. But cruise ships are being limited to only 70 per cent capacity.

Among the port calls for the Grandiosa, MSC’s flagship, are Naples, Palermo, Sicily and Valletta, Malta.

Malta is one of four Mediterranean countries that Italy now requires travellers arriving from to have COVID-19 tests.

For now, MSC is limiting its guests to those who are residents of Europe’s 26-nation Schengen visa free travel zone.

MSC said every guest and crew member on board were given a wristband that “facilitates contactless transactions around the ship as well as providing contact and proximity tracing.”

 
&nbsp;

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey.

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey. The cruise ship company MSC made the procedures, for crew as well as passengers, part of its new health and safety protocols. The MSC Grandiosa, which was christened last year, departed for a seven-night cruise in the western Mediterranean. Guests were asked to wear face masks in elevators and other areas where social distancing is not possible. The crew spent time in quarantine before the start of the cruise. Earlier this month, the Italian government gave its approval for cruise ships to once again depart from Italy’s ports. But cruise ships are being limited to only 70 per cent capacity. Among the port calls for the Grandiosa, MSC’s flagship, are Naples, Palermo, Sicily and Valletta, Malta. Malta is one of four Mediterranean countries that Italy now requires travellers arriving from to have COVID-19 tests. For now, MSC is limiting its guests to those who are residents of Europe’s 26-nation Schengen visa free travel zone. MSC said every guest and crew member on board were given a wristband that “facilitates contactless transactions around the ship as well as providing contact and proximity tracing.”

First Mediterranean cruise sets sail after Italy's coronavirus lockdown lifts

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday.

More than 21,000 people reached Italy between August 2019 and the end of July, up 148 per cent year-on-year, the minister said, speaking at an annual Aug. 15 press conference.

Lamorgese said the majority of the arrivals were “autonomous landings, hard to manage... with small boats and dinghies”, rather than those rescued at sea and brought ashore. Many of them land on Italy’s southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-approves-outpatient-use-for-abortion-pill-319128">Also read:&nbsp;Italy approves outpatient use for abortion pill</a>

In the 12-month period, just over 5,000 people were rescued, mainly by ships operated by NGOs, according to data from the ministry.

Over 80 per cent of the migrants reaching Italy left from Tunisia and Libya, the data showed, with Tunisia’s crisis stoking the numbers attempting the treacherous crossing.

“The numbers aren’t very high - they are certainly higher than last year’s but we must put them into context: Tunisia is in a deep economic, social and political crisis,” Lamorgese told reporters.

“We have seen entire families leave to reach Italian territory.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-italy-threaten-sanctions-over-arms-for-libya-314396">Also read:&nbsp;France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya</a>

For years Italy has been the primary route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and other migrants and Libya’s west coast a main departure point for African migrants hoping to reach Europe.

A peak was reached between August 2016 and July 2017, when almost 183,000 migrants reached Italy.

Numbers started falling due to an Italian-led effort to disrupt smuggling networks and support the Libyan coastguard to intercept boats, but have picked up in 2020.

Lamorgese’s predecessor, head of the anti-immigrant League party Matteo Salvini, took a hardline against charity ships that rescued migrants at sea, closing Italian ports and accusing the rescue groups of de facto collaboration with human traffickers.

Lamorgese said that she would meet Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday to discuss the issue, along with Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio and EU Commissioners Ylva Johansson and Olivér Várhelyi.

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday.

The number of migrants landing on Italy’s shores has more than doubled in the last year as an economic crisis in Tunisia fuels migration in boats across the Mediterranean, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on Saturday. More than 21,000 people reached Italy between August 2019 and the end of July, up 148 per cent year-on-year, the minister said, speaking at an annual Aug. 15 press conference. Lamorgese said the majority of the arrivals were “autonomous landings, hard to manage... with small boats and dinghies”, rather than those rescued at sea and brought ashore. Many of them land on Italy’s southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. Also read: Italy approves outpatient use for abortion pill In the 12-month period, just over 5,000 people were rescued, mainly by ships operated by NGOs, according to data from the ministry. Over 80 per cent of the migrants reaching Italy left from Tunisia and Libya, the data showed, with Tunisia’s crisis stoking the numbers attempting the treacherous crossing. “The numbers aren’t very high - they are certainly higher than last year’s but we must put them into context: Tunisia is in a deep economic, social and political crisis,” Lamorgese told reporters. “We have seen entire families leave to reach Italian territory.” Also read: France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya For years Italy has been the primary route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and other migrants and Libya’s west coast a main departure point for African migrants hoping to reach Europe. A peak was reached between August 2016 and July 2017, when almost 183,000 migrants reached Italy. Numbers started falling due to an Italian-led effort to disrupt smuggling networks and support the Libyan coastguard to intercept boats, but have picked up in 2020. Lamorgese’s predecessor, head of the anti-immigrant League party Matteo Salvini, took a hardline against charity ships that rescued migrants at sea, closing Italian ports and accusing the rescue groups of de facto collaboration with human traffickers. Lamorgese said that she would meet Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday to discuss the issue, along with Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi di Maio and EU Commissioners Ylva Johansson and Olivér Várhelyi.

Number of migrants landing in Italy more than doubles in past year

With the summer heat gripping Italy on Thursday (August 13), zoo residents in the country's capital were chilling out as they cool off with tasty frozen treats.

As Rome sizzles, zoo treats animals to ice lollies 

Renaissance master Raphael probably did not like his nose. So the painter, who sought perfection in everything, may have done a nose job in his self-portrait and other works where he inserted himself among persons.

Raphael did a nose-job in self-portrait, face 3D reconstruction suggests

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed.&nbsp;

Ramsey joined Juventus last year on a free transfer from Arsenal. His wages of £400,000-a-week could well limit his options on moving to another club, and he will have to take a pay cut if he moves on.

Aaron Ramsey, under Maurizio Sarri, made just 11 Serie A starts and he does not fit into Pirlo’s ball-playing style.

Other players in the team like &nbsp;Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Daniele Rugani, Mattia De Sciglio, and Blaise Matuidi are also not included in Pirlo's squad. Matuidi is on his way to MLS to play for David Beckham's Inter Miami.&nbsp;

Last month, the Daily Telegraph reported that Juventus were hoping a swap deal involving Ramsey and Tanguy Ndombele. However, Jose Mourinho though wants to keep the £53.8million man, claiming that he will come good.

Aaron Ramsey is even being linked with Manchester United as their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in the Wales star earlier in the summer.

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed.

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed. Ramsey joined Juventus last year on a free transfer from Arsenal. His wages of £400,000-a-week could well limit his options on moving to another club, and he will have to take a pay cut if he moves on. Aaron Ramsey, under Maurizio Sarri, made just 11 Serie A starts and he does not fit into Pirlo’s ball-playing style. Other players in the team like Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Daniele Rugani, Mattia De Sciglio, and Blaise Matuidi are also not included in Pirlo's squad. Matuidi is on his way to MLS to play for David Beckham's Inter Miami. Last month, the Daily Telegraph reported that Juventus were hoping a swap deal involving Ramsey and Tanguy Ndombele. However, Jose Mourinho though wants to keep the £53.8million man, claiming that he will come good. Aaron Ramsey is even being linked with Manchester United as their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in the Wales star earlier in the summer.

Aaron Ramsey has no place in Andrea Pirlo's Juventus: Reports

The day marks for a huge day in the history of Italy, as woman can now use the abortion pill on an outpatient basis rather than be hospitalised to terminate a pregnancy.

Italy's health minister, Roberto Speranza, announced the change in guidelines in a tweet on Saturday. He said it was based on scientific evidence and was an important step forward in line with Italy's 1978 law legalising abortion.

Previously, women in Italy had to admitted to the hospital to take mifepristone.

Women's groups and pro-choice advocates lobbying for outpatient use had argued that the hospitalization requirement discouraged use of the drug.

Italy in 1978 legalised abortion and in 2009 approved the use of the abortion pill through the seventh week of gestation.

Speranza's deputy, Sandra Zampa, has been quoted as saying it was time to review the guidelines given that a decade of experience had showed the drug could be safely administered without hospitalization. The new guidelines say the drug can be used up to the ninth week. 
&nbsp;

The day marks for a huge day in the history of Italy, as woman can now use the abortion pill on an outpatient basis rather than be hospitalised to terminate a pregnancy.

The day marks for a huge day in the history of Italy, as woman can now use the abortion pill on an outpatient basis rather than be hospitalised to terminate a pregnancy. Italy's health minister, Roberto Speranza, announced the change in guidelines in a tweet on Saturday. He said it was based on scientific evidence and was an important step forward in line with Italy's 1978 law legalising abortion. Previously, women in Italy had to admitted to the hospital to take mifepristone. Women's groups and pro-choice advocates lobbying for outpatient use had argued that the hospitalization requirement discouraged use of the drug. Italy in 1978 legalised abortion and in 2009 approved the use of the abortion pill through the seventh week of gestation. Speranza's deputy, Sandra Zampa, has been quoted as saying it was time to review the guidelines given that a decade of experience had showed the drug could be safely administered without hospitalization. The new guidelines say the drug can be used up to the ninth week.

Italy approves outpatient use for abortion pill

Italian police have accused an Austrian tourist of breaking multiple toes of a 200-year-old statue in a museum in Italy.&nbsp;

The incident took place on July 31 at the Gipsoteca Antonio Canova museum,&nbsp;located in Possagno, Italy.&nbsp;

According to the press release, security managers of the museum contacted the police after noticing the damaged statue and in the investigation, the authorities came across video surveillance footage that captured the event.&nbsp;

The Carabinieri police said that the Austrian tourist was responsible for damaging three fingers of the right foot in the plaster statue of 'Paolina Bonaparte as Venus Victorious'.&nbsp;

In the footage, it could be seen that the tourist was lying next to the artwork while getting a photograph clicked but after the getting up the man unintentionally broke part of the statue's foot. He appeared to realize the damage caused and left, visibly disturbed, disappearing from the view of the camera.

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The whereabouts and details of the tourist were accessed by the museum booking information. Police were able to contact the wife of the 50-year-old tourist.&nbsp;

According to the police, the tourist's wife has admitted her husband's involvement and said he panicked and left when he realized the damage he had caused.&nbsp;

Police added that the tourist's wife has said that her husband would explain the incident, apologize and be ready to face the consequences of his actions.

It is still unclear whether he will be charged, however, police sent a detailed report of the investigation to the judicial authority for assessment.&nbsp;

According to the Museum's Facebook page, the tourist "turned himself in" by writing a letter to the President of the Canova Foundation Vittorio Sgarbi.

The statue was made by Antonio Canova in the early 1800s.&nbsp;

The Facebook post also said that the museum staff is working on various phases to restore the historic artwork.&nbsp;

Italian police have accused an Austrian tourist of breaking multiple toes of a 200-year-old statue in a museum in Italy. The incident took place on July 31 at the Gipsoteca Antonio Canova museum, located in Possagno, Italy.

Italian police have accused an Austrian tourist of breaking multiple toes of a 200-year-old statue in a museum in Italy. The incident took place on July 31 at the Gipsoteca Antonio Canova museum, located in Possagno, Italy. According to the press release, security managers of the museum contacted the police after noticing the damaged statue and in the investigation, the authorities came across video surveillance footage that captured the event. The Carabinieri police said that the Austrian tourist was responsible for damaging three fingers of the right foot in the plaster statue of 'Paolina Bonaparte as Venus Victorious'. In the footage, it could be seen that the tourist was lying next to the artwork while getting a photograph clicked but after the getting up the man unintentionally broke part of the statue's foot. He appeared to realize the damage caused and left, visibly disturbed, disappearing from the view of the camera. × The whereabouts and details of the tourist were accessed by the museum booking information. Police were able to contact the wife of the 50-year-old tourist. According to the police, the tourist's wife has admitted her husband's involvement and said he panicked and left when he realized the damage he had caused. Police added that the tourist's wife has said that her husband would explain the incident, apologize and be ready to face the consequences of his actions. It is still unclear whether he will be charged, however, police sent a detailed report of the investigation to the judicial authority for assessment. According to the Museum's Facebook page, the tourist "turned himself in" by writing a letter to the President of the Canova Foundation Vittorio Sgarbi. The statue was made by Antonio Canova in the early 1800s. The Facebook post also said that the museum staff is working on various phases to restore the historic artwork.

200-year-old Italian statue damaged after a tourist poses for photograph

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far. An additional 201,000 have recovered.

Given this whopping number, authorities undertook the mammoth task of create a post-peak database of antibodies.

Turns out, only 2.5 per cent of Italians, or 1,482,000 people showed traces of coronavirus antibodies, even despite being one of the hardest-hit countries in the world at one point.

Lombardy takes the lead

The national survey released on Monday revealed how Lombardy, which was once the worst-hit region in the country reported the most number of people with antibodies against the virus. Over 7.5 per cent of the total antibodies were reported here.

On the other hand, the two major islands - Sicily and Sardinia had the lowest number of reported antibodies - 0.3 per cent of the population.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/waste-water-study-finds-coronavirus-was-already-in-italy-in-december-307066" hreflang="en">Waste water study finds coronavirus was already in Italy in December</a>

“The different results of the survey in the country’s territory are very relevant.&nbsp;This means that the tough and rigorous measure adopted by the central and regionals governments, and the correct behavior of the Italian people avoided a more massive spread of the virus,” Minister of Health Roberto Speranza said during while addressing the media on Monday.&nbsp;

The survey also reveals more information about coronavirus and its transmission. Over a third of those who tested positive for antibodies remained asymptomatic throughout the course of their illness and may have been the major contributors to the number of infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/italys-pm-says-virus-crisis-should-be-opportunity-to-reform-country-305620" hreflang="en">Italy's PM says virus crisis should be opportunity to reform country</a>

Most cases of infection (over 41.7 per cent came from relatives living in the same house).

Six times higher than during peak

According to Linda Laura Sabbadini, the director of the National Institute For Statistics, the current number of people with antibodies is over six times higher than it was during the virus’ peak in the country in March.

As part of the survey, which was done in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross between May 25 and July 15, over 64,660 blood samples were tested. Over 2,000 villages and cities across the country were divided based on sex, occupation, and age groups to map out a better database.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astrazeneca-wins-coronavirus-vaccine-deal-with-germany-france-italy-and-the-netherlands-305648" hreflang="en">Astrazeneca wins coronavirus vaccine deal with Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands</a>

However, the survey did not account for people who live in health care facilities.

Earlier in May, the government had claimed that the survey would include 150,000 people. Sabbadini however explained how “the health emergency made the survey procedure more complicated”, but it still remained “an incredibly useful source of data”.

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far.

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far. An additional 201,000 have recovered. Given this whopping number, authorities undertook the mammoth task of create a post-peak database of antibodies. Turns out, only 2.5 per cent of Italians, or 1,482,000 people showed traces of coronavirus antibodies, even despite being one of the hardest-hit countries in the world at one point. Lombardy takes the lead The national survey released on Monday revealed how Lombardy, which was once the worst-hit region in the country reported the most number of people with antibodies against the virus. Over 7.5 per cent of the total antibodies were reported here. On the other hand, the two major islands - Sicily and Sardinia had the lowest number of reported antibodies - 0.3 per cent of the population. Also read: Waste water study finds coronavirus was already in Italy in December “The different results of the survey in the country’s territory are very relevant. This means that the tough and rigorous measure adopted by the central and regionals governments, and the correct behavior of the Italian people avoided a more massive spread of the virus,” Minister of Health Roberto Speranza said during while addressing the media on Monday. The survey also reveals more information about coronavirus and its transmission. Over a third of those who tested positive for antibodies remained asymptomatic throughout the course of their illness and may have been the major contributors to the number of infections. Also read: Italy's PM says virus crisis should be opportunity to reform country Most cases of infection (over 41.7 per cent came from relatives living in the same house). Six times higher than during peak According to Linda Laura Sabbadini, the director of the National Institute For Statistics, the current number of people with antibodies is over six times higher than it was during the virus’ peak in the country in March. As part of the survey, which was done in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross between May 25 and July 15, over 64,660 blood samples were tested. Over 2,000 villages and cities across the country were divided based on sex, occupation, and age groups to map out a better database. Also read: Astrazeneca wins coronavirus vaccine deal with Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands However, the survey did not account for people who live in health care facilities. Earlier in May, the government had claimed that the survey would include 150,000 people. Sabbadini however explained how “the health emergency made the survey procedure more complicated”, but it still remained “an incredibly useful source of data”.

Only 2.5% Italians have coronavirus antibodies, national survey shows

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer.&nbsp;

The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views. The girls became online stars and gave several interviews after the video went viral.&nbsp;

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The girls thought that they were in another interview when they were asked about their favourite player.&nbsp;

13-year-old Vittoria was quick to respond and said: "Roger Federer. If I were to meet him, I would jump on him, or I would be starstruck." 11-year-old Carola said that she would want Federer's elegance while playing and Rafael Nadal's power.&nbsp;

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From a rooftop match that went viral to meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a>. 
 
Just incredible to see 💖<a href="https://t.co/LuozuHYJiT">pic.twitter.com/LuozuHYJiT</a>
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But the girls were left stunned when Roger Federer came out from behind a curtain.&nbsp;

The Times quoted Vittoria, who said that she nearly fainted when he showed up.&nbsp;

The 20-time Grand Slam champion then played some rooftop tennis with the girls before having lunch with them.

"He figured out the distances pretty fast and started playing shots between his legs from one roof to another, which was amazing." Vittoria said.

"I didn't think he was real. I thought it was a mannequin," she added.&nbsp;

Federer said: "Personally, for me, that was a very special moment in my career as a tennis player to surprise a fan, or children, like I was able to with Carola and Vittoria today."

Swiss also told the girls that he had arranged for them to go to a summer camp in an academy run by Rafael Nadal.&nbsp;

"I have played in many cool places around the world, but this one is definitely up there for me as a special experience. We showed that we can play anywhere and have fun with it," he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views.

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views. The girls became online stars and gave several interviews after the video went viral. The girls thought that they were in another interview when they were asked about their favourite player. 13-year-old Vittoria was quick to respond and said: "Roger Federer. If I were to meet him, I would jump on him, or I would be starstruck." 11-year-old Carola said that she would want Federer's elegance while playing and Rafael Nadal's power. From a rooftop match that went viral to meeting @rogerfederer. Just incredible to see 💖pic.twitter.com/LuozuHYJiT — ATP Tour (@atptour) July 31, 2020 × But the girls were left stunned when Roger Federer came out from behind a curtain. The Times quoted Vittoria, who said that she nearly fainted when he showed up. The 20-time Grand Slam champion then played some rooftop tennis with the girls before having lunch with them. "He figured out the distances pretty fast and started playing shots between his legs from one roof to another, which was amazing." Vittoria said. "I didn't think he was real. I thought it was a mannequin," she added. Federer said: "Personally, for me, that was a very special moment in my career as a tennis player to surprise a fan, or children, like I was able to with Carola and Vittoria today." Swiss also told the girls that he had arranged for them to go to a summer camp in an academy run by Rafael Nadal. "I have played in many cool places around the world, but this one is definitely up there for me as a special experience. We showed that we can play anywhere and have fun with it," he added.

Watch: Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer surprises 'rooftop tennis' girls

At 96, Giuseppe Paterno has faced many tests in life - childhood poverty, war and, more recently, the coronavirus pandemic. Now he has sailed through an exam that makes him Italy's oldest university graduate.

Italy's oldest student Giuseppe Paterno graduates at 96

At 96, Giuseppe Paterno has faced many tests in life - childhood poverty, war and, more recently, the coronavirus pandemic. Now he has sailed through an exam that makes him Italy's oldest university graduate.

This week, the former railway worker stepped forward to receive his diploma and the traditional laurel wreath awarded to Italian students when they graduate, applauded by his family, teachers and fellow students more than 70 years his junior.

"I am a normal person, like many others," he said, when asked what it felt like to be graduating so late. "In terms of age I have surpassed all the others but I didn't do it for this."

Already in his 90s when he enrolled for a degree in History and Philosophy at the University of Palermo, Paterno grew up loving books, but he never had the chance to study.

"I said, 'that's it, now or never,' and so in 2017, I decided to enrol," he told Reuters in his apartment in the Sicilian city of Palermo, which he rarely leaves nowadays due to his frailty.

"I understood that it was a little late to get a three-year degree but I said to myself 'let's see if I can do it'."

On Wednesday, he graduated first in his class with top honours, receiving congratulations from the university chancellor Fabrizio Micari.

GREAT DEPRESSION, THEN WAR

Growing up in a poor family in Sicily in the years before the Great Depression, Paterno received only basic schooling as a child. He joined the navy and served during World War Two before going on to work in the railways as he married and brought up two children.

In a society focused on rebuilding after the war, work and family were the priorities, but Paterno wanted to learn and graduated from high school at the age of 31, always harbouring a desire to go further.

"Knowledge is like a suitcase that I carry with me, it is a treasure," he said.

As a student, he tapped out his essays on the manual typewriter his mother gave him when he retired from the railways in 1984. He eschewed Google in favour of printed books and was not tempted by the late-night student parties of his 20-year-old classmates, who applauded him warmly at the graduation ceremony.

"You are an example for younger students," his Sociology professor, Francesca Rizzuto, told him after he passed his final oral examination in June.

Paterno confessed to a little unease with the video calls that replaced classroom teaching during the coronavirus shutdown, but said he was not put off by the disease itself after the war and everything else he had been through.

"All of that strengthened us, all of my peer group, all of those who are still alive," he said. "It didn't really scare us that much."

As for what he planned to do next, he said he was not about to stop now he had graduated.

"My project for the future is to devote myself to writing; I want to revisit all the texts I didn't have a chance to explore further. This is my goal."

At 96, Giuseppe Paterno has faced many tests in life - childhood poverty, war and, more recently, the coronavirus pandemic. Now he has sailed through an exam that makes him Italy's oldest university graduate. This week, the former railway worker stepped forward to receive his diploma and the traditional laurel wreath awarded to Italian students when they graduate, applauded by his family, teachers and fellow students more than 70 years his junior. "I am a normal person, like many others," he said, when asked what it felt like to be graduating so late. "In terms of age I have surpassed all the others but I didn't do it for this." Already in his 90s when he enrolled for a degree in History and Philosophy at the University of Palermo, Paterno grew up loving books, but he never had the chance to study. "I said, 'that's it, now or never,' and so in 2017, I decided to enrol," he told Reuters in his apartment in the Sicilian city of Palermo, which he rarely leaves nowadays due to his frailty. "I understood that it was a little late to get a three-year degree but I said to myself 'let's see if I can do it'." On Wednesday, he graduated first in his class with top honours, receiving congratulations from the university chancellor Fabrizio Micari. GREAT DEPRESSION, THEN WAR Growing up in a poor family in Sicily in the years before the Great Depression, Paterno received only basic schooling as a child. He joined the navy and served during World War Two before going on to work in the railways as he married and brought up two children. In a society focused on rebuilding after the war, work and family were the priorities, but Paterno wanted to learn and graduated from high school at the age of 31, always harbouring a desire to go further. "Knowledge is like a suitcase that I carry with me, it is a treasure," he said. As a student, he tapped out his essays on the manual typewriter his mother gave him when he retired from the railways in 1984. He eschewed Google in favour of printed books and was not tempted by the late-night student parties of his 20-year-old classmates, who applauded him warmly at the graduation ceremony. "You are an example for younger students," his Sociology professor, Francesca Rizzuto, told him after he passed his final oral examination in June. Paterno confessed to a little unease with the video calls that replaced classroom teaching during the coronavirus shutdown, but said he was not put off by the disease itself after the war and everything else he had been through. "All of that strengthened us, all of my peer group, all of those who are still alive," he said. "It didn't really scare us that much." As for what he planned to do next, he said he was not about to stop now he had graduated. "My project for the future is to devote myself to writing; I want to revisit all the texts I didn't have a chance to explore further. This is my goal."

Knowledge a 'treasure' for Italy's oldest student, who graduates at 96

Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged "all foreign actors to end their increasing interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council" in a joint statement issued by the French presidency after meeting in Brussels.

"We are ready to consider the possible use of sanctions if the breaches of the embargo at sea, on land or in the air continue, and look forward to the proposals that the High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy will make in this regard," they said

Turkey has intervened decisively in recent weeks in Libya, providing air support, weapons and allied fighters from Syria to help the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli repel a year-long assault by the forces of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar.

Haftar is backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia, which have also been accused by the U.N. of breaking the embargo.

The Tripoli-based government on Saturday moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gateway to Libya`s main oil terminals, which the government says it plans to recapture from Haftar's forces.

France has itself faced criticism for its ambiguity with regard to Haftar, having previously backed him in the fight against Islamist militants.

Saturday's joint statement was the first time the three major powers had threatened sanctions amid fears of a new escalation on the ground. [nL5N2EP0BU]

"We share serious concerns about the mounting military tensions in this country and the increased risk of regional escalation," they said. "We therefore call on all the Libyan parties and their foreign supporters to immediately cease the fighting and put an end to the ongoing military escalation across the country."

Diplomats have said European Union nations could also consider imposing sanctions on individuals from both Libyan sides.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged "all foreign actors to end their increasing interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council" in a joint statement issued by the French presidency after meeting in Brussels. "We are ready to consider the possible use of sanctions if the breaches of the embargo at sea, on land or in the air continue, and look forward to the proposals that the High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy will make in this regard," they said Turkey has intervened decisively in recent weeks in Libya, providing air support, weapons and allied fighters from Syria to help the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli repel a year-long assault by the forces of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. Haftar is backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia, which have also been accused by the U.N. of breaking the embargo. The Tripoli-based government on Saturday moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gateway to Libya`s main oil terminals, which the government says it plans to recapture from Haftar's forces. France has itself faced criticism for its ambiguity with regard to Haftar, having previously backed him in the fight against Islamist militants. Saturday's joint statement was the first time the three major powers had threatened sanctions amid fears of a new escalation on the ground. [nL5N2EP0BU] "We share serious concerns about the mounting military tensions in this country and the increased risk of regional escalation," they said. "We therefore call on all the Libyan parties and their foreign supporters to immediately cease the fighting and put an end to the ongoing military escalation across the country." Diplomats have said European Union nations could also consider imposing sanctions on individuals from both Libyan sides.

France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya

Italian authorities on Tuesday (14 JULY 2020) returned to France a stolen Banksy artwork that was painted as a tribute to the victims of the 2015 attacks at the Bataclan music hall in Paris. The piece of art was handed over during a ceremony at the French Embassy in Rome, the same day France celebrated Bastille Day.

Italy returns Bataclan’s stolen Banksy artwork

No air kissing and no hugs, a safely distanced front row and face masks were de rigueur as Dolce & Gabbana had to rewrite the rules of high-end fashion engagement with one of the first physical shows of the COVID-19 era on Wednesday (July 15).

Masked fashionistas and distant models, D&G launches the COVID-era catwalk

Italy: Conjoined twins successfully separated after 18-hour surgery

Venice tested its giant mobile flood barriers in a partly ceremonial operation aimed at showing the strength of its defences after disastrous flooding in November raised questions about the future of the fragile lagoon city.

Flood defence system Mose set to hold back the seas of Venice

Italy has banned entry to people coming from 13 countries that it said presented an excessive rate of COVID-19 infections. Watch report.

Italy bans entry from 13 countries over COVID-19 scare | World News

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday that the country will likely extend the July 31 deadline of the state of emergency imposed due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"The possible extension simply means that we are in a position to continue taking the necessary measures," Conte said, on the sidelines of an event in Venice, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/italy-considering-whether-to-exclude-huawei-from-its-5g-network-311621">Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network</a>

Italy was the first country outside mainland China that faced the coronavirus outbreak and it declared a six-month state of emergency in late January.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-to-transfer-migrants-rescued-in-mediterranean-to-ship-for-quarantine-310932">Italy to transfer migrants rescued in Mediterranean to ship for quarantine</a>

The coronavirus situation has been largely controlled in the country and 12 new fatalities were confirmed on Thursday, three less than the previous day.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Italy banned travellers from 13 countries, including Brazil that is experiencing an exponential uptick in the coronavirus cases for the past several days.&nbsp;

The 13 countries that are banned on grounds of high risk of COVID-19 transmission, include Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama and Peru.

The decision&nbsp;taken by the health ministry was after the foreign, interior and transport ministries gave their consent.&nbsp;

"Throughout the world, the pandemic has entered a more acute phase," said Health Minister Roberto Speranza.

He said the "sacrifices" made by the Italians in recent months could not be "thrown away".&nbsp;

So far, nearly 35,000 people have died and over 242,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Italy, according to the official figures.&nbsp;

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday that the country will likely extend the July 31 deadline of the state of emergency imposed due to coronavirus pandemic.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday that the country will likely extend the July 31 deadline of the state of emergency imposed due to coronavirus pandemic. "The possible extension simply means that we are in a position to continue taking the necessary measures," Conte said, on the sidelines of an event in Venice, reported Reuters. Also read | Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network Italy was the first country outside mainland China that faced the coronavirus outbreak and it declared a six-month state of emergency in late January. Also read | Italy to transfer migrants rescued in Mediterranean to ship for quarantine The coronavirus situation has been largely controlled in the country and 12 new fatalities were confirmed on Thursday, three less than the previous day. On Thursday, Italy banned travellers from 13 countries, including Brazil that is experiencing an exponential uptick in the coronavirus cases for the past several days. The 13 countries that are banned on grounds of high risk of COVID-19 transmission, include Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, North Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama and Peru. The decision taken by the health ministry was after the foreign, interior and transport ministries gave their consent. "Throughout the world, the pandemic has entered a more acute phase," said Health Minister Roberto Speranza. He said the "sacrifices" made by the Italians in recent months could not be "thrown away". So far, nearly 35,000 people have died and over 242,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Italy, according to the official figures.

Italian PM hints at extending coronavirus emergency as travellers from 13 countries banned

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say.

Berlusconi aims to exploit divisions in the ruling coalition over whether Italy should seek a loan from the euro zone`s bailout fund which could provide cheap money for its coronavirus-battered health system, say sources close to the media tycoon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/italy-considering-whether-to-exclude-huawei-from-its-5g-network-311621">Also read:&nbsp;Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network</a>

The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) wants Italy to tap the fund, known as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), while the co-ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is fiercely against the proposal, saying it will pave the way for austerity.

The issue is lacerating the coalition and a 5-Star party source says it could bring down the government when the vote is held, probably in September.

"When it happens, there will be an attempt to form a new majority, and the underlying division in the 5-Star between those who want to stay in government and those who don`t will come to light," the 5-Star source said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-passport-is-now-on-par-with-mexico-311483">Also read:&nbsp;US passport is now on par with Mexico</a>

With the economy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the ESM is not the only problem facing the coalition parties, which often quarrel over issues ranging from justice to reform of public tender rules.

Berlusconi`s rightist allies, the League and Brothers of Italy, share 5-Star`s position on the ESM, but the ex-premier has broken ranks, lining up with the PD and presenting a pro-European image.

"We will vote in favour of the ESM because it is for the good of Italy," Berlusconi told daily newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. He denied any party political motives.

With the political jigsaw increasingly complex, such a scenario could pave the way for a new government centred on the PD and Forza Italia, a mainstream, pro-European option that may go down well with Italy`s partners and financial markets.

No taboo 
The PD says it wants an open discussion with Forza Italia in the name of their shared commitment to the EU. Former centre-left leader Romano Prodi, who defeated his long-time rival in two national elections, said on Wednesday bringing Berlusconi into government "should certainly not be seen as a taboo".

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a technocrat with no party affiliation, has praised Berlusconi`s "constructive" attitude.

"Conte is telling the 5-Star he is able to find new supporters if they become an obstacle," said Giovanni Orsina, director of the School of Government at Rome`s Luiss University.

"Berlusconi is allied with the eurosceptics but at the same time he is a pro-European, so he is at the centre of the two political camps," Orsina said.

Berlusconi denies seeking a strategic marriage with the PD, his traditional adversary, and says new elections remain his favoured outcome. But with Forza Italia`s poll ratings down to around 7%, a senior party source said its members had little appetite for a new vote.

Moreover, with the euro zone`s third largest economy set to contract by around 10% this year, a new election is widely considered unlikely due to the risk of political instability.

"If this government collapses, lawmakers from different parties ready to support another coalition to avoid losing their seats would immediately emerge," the Forza Italia source said.

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say.

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say. Berlusconi aims to exploit divisions in the ruling coalition over whether Italy should seek a loan from the euro zone`s bailout fund which could provide cheap money for its coronavirus-battered health system, say sources close to the media tycoon. Also read: Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) wants Italy to tap the fund, known as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), while the co-ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is fiercely against the proposal, saying it will pave the way for austerity. The issue is lacerating the coalition and a 5-Star party source says it could bring down the government when the vote is held, probably in September. "When it happens, there will be an attempt to form a new majority, and the underlying division in the 5-Star between those who want to stay in government and those who don`t will come to light," the 5-Star source said. Also read: US passport is now on par with Mexico With the economy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the ESM is not the only problem facing the coalition parties, which often quarrel over issues ranging from justice to reform of public tender rules. Berlusconi`s rightist allies, the League and Brothers of Italy, share 5-Star`s position on the ESM, but the ex-premier has broken ranks, lining up with the PD and presenting a pro-European image. "We will vote in favour of the ESM because it is for the good of Italy," Berlusconi told daily newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. He denied any party political motives. With the political jigsaw increasingly complex, such a scenario could pave the way for a new government centred on the PD and Forza Italia, a mainstream, pro-European option that may go down well with Italy`s partners and financial markets. No taboo The PD says it wants an open discussion with Forza Italia in the name of their shared commitment to the EU. Former centre-left leader Romano Prodi, who defeated his long-time rival in two national elections, said on Wednesday bringing Berlusconi into government "should certainly not be seen as a taboo". Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a technocrat with no party affiliation, has praised Berlusconi`s "constructive" attitude. "Conte is telling the 5-Star he is able to find new supporters if they become an obstacle," said Giovanni Orsina, director of the School of Government at Rome`s Luiss University. "Berlusconi is allied with the eurosceptics but at the same time he is a pro-European, so he is at the centre of the two political camps," Orsina said. Berlusconi denies seeking a strategic marriage with the PD, his traditional adversary, and says new elections remain his favoured outcome. But with Forza Italia`s poll ratings down to around 7%, a senior party source said its members had little appetite for a new vote. Moreover, with the euro zone`s third largest economy set to contract by around 10% this year, a new election is widely considered unlikely due to the risk of political instability. "If this government collapses, lawmakers from different parties ready to support another coalition to avoid losing their seats would immediately emerge," the Forza Italia source said.

Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future

Italy is considering whether to exclude Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies from building its 5G network, La Repubblica reported, without citing sources.

Despite pressure from Washington, which says Huawei's equipment could be used to spy on the West, Italy has so far not ruled the Chinese company out its network plans.

No comment was immediately available from the Italian government. Huawei, which has repeatedly denied the U.S. allegations, declined to comment.&nbsp;

A political source said the issue was under discussion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/us-sanctions-will-have-a-huge-impact-on-the-reliability-of-huawei-uk-minister-311010" hreflang="en">US sanctions will have a huge impact on the reliability of Huawei: UK minister</a>

"It's being considered at government level," the source told Reuters on Wednesday after the La Repubblica report, which said Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio met the U.S. ambassador in Rome last week for talks which included Huawei.

"The Italian government is preparing a change of course as are many of its European partners," the newspaper said, adding that Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri and Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini had brought up the issue informally.

"Guerini is certainly the one taking the most Atlanticist line," the political source told Reuters.

Even members of the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement, part of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's ruling coalition, who initially favoured Huawei, were rethinking, La Repubblica said.&nbsp;

It said Italian officials believed that even if Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden wins the November presidential election, Washington's stance on Huawei was unlikely to change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/uk-to-end-use-of-huawei-technology-in-its-5g-network-report-310811" hreflang="en">UK to end use of Huawei technology in its 5G network: Report</a>

Last year, parliamentary security committee Copasir said Italy should consider blocking Chinese telecoms firms Huawei and ZTE from taking part in development of 5G networks.

Enrico Borghi, a member of the committee, told Reuters the fact that Italy was likely to use resources from the planned EU coronavirus Recovery Fund to develop its network meant a clear position was needed to exclude Chinese firms from the network.

"All the conditions are there to build 5G networks at European level without using Chinese technology," he said.

Italy is considering whether to exclude Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies from building its 5G network, La Repubblica reported, without citing sources.

Italy is considering whether to exclude Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies from building its 5G network, La Repubblica reported, without citing sources. Despite pressure from Washington, which says Huawei's equipment could be used to spy on the West, Italy has so far not ruled the Chinese company out its network plans. No comment was immediately available from the Italian government. Huawei, which has repeatedly denied the U.S. allegations, declined to comment. A political source said the issue was under discussion. Also read: US sanctions will have a huge impact on the reliability of Huawei: UK minister "It's being considered at government level," the source told Reuters on Wednesday after the La Repubblica report, which said Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio met the U.S. ambassador in Rome last week for talks which included Huawei. "The Italian government is preparing a change of course as are many of its European partners," the newspaper said, adding that Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri and Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini had brought up the issue informally. "Guerini is certainly the one taking the most Atlanticist line," the political source told Reuters. Even members of the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement, part of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's ruling coalition, who initially favoured Huawei, were rethinking, La Repubblica said. It said Italian officials believed that even if Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden wins the November presidential election, Washington's stance on Huawei was unlikely to change. Also read: UK to end use of Huawei technology in its 5G network: Report Last year, parliamentary security committee Copasir said Italy should consider blocking Chinese telecoms firms Huawei and ZTE from taking part in development of 5G networks. Enrico Borghi, a member of the committee, told Reuters the fact that Italy was likely to use resources from the planned EU coronavirus Recovery Fund to develop its network meant a clear position was needed to exclude Chinese firms from the network. "All the conditions are there to build 5G networks at European level without using Chinese technology," he said.

Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network

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