Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions.

Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues.

He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28.

“Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian.

In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar.

Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have?

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“The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.”

Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover.

“We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport</a>

Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan..

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-says-massacre-by-israel-is-to-hide-its-setback-654021">Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback</a>

The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X.&nbsp;

The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views".

“I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

Craig Mokhiber, director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for human rights, has stepped down from his position after protesting what he has called a "text book case of genocide" in the Gaza Strip. As reported by multiple media outlets, Mokhiber has said this in his resignation letter in addition to other serious assertions. Saying that this will be his last communication to UN High Commissioner in Geneva Volker Turk, Mokhiber has said that the United Nations was "failing" to do its duty as Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues. He alleged that the US, the UK and large number of countries in Europe were "wholly complicit in the horrific assault". Mokhiber wrote to the UN high commissioner on October 28. “Once again we are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes and the organization we serve appears powerless to stop it,” he said as reported by The Guardian. In his letter, Mokhiber also said the there have been number of occasions in past when the United Nations has failed to stop a genocide mentioning the Rwandan genocide, Muslims in Bosnia, Yazidis in Iraqi Kurdistan and Rohingya in Myanmar. Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have? × “The current wholesale slaughter of the Palestinian people, rooted in an ethno-nationalist colonial settler ideology, in continuation of decades of their systematic persecution and purging, based entirely upon their status as Arabs … leaves no room for doubt.” Mokhiber stated that not only the West was "refusing to meet their treaty obligation" under Geneva Conventions but were also arming Israel in addition to providing political and diplomatic cover. “We must support the establishment of a single, democratic secular state in all of historic Palestine, with equal rights for Christians, Muslims, and Jews,” he wrote, adding: “and, therefore, the dismantling of the deeply racist, settler-colonial project and an end to apartheid across the land.” Also Read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riots at Russian airport Mokhiber has been part of the UN since 1992. He served in a number of prominent roles. He has served as a senior human rights adviser in Palestine, Afghanistan and Sudan.. Also Read | Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says 'massacre' by Israel is to hide its setback The resignation letter has expectedly stirred conversation on social media. Several journalists and academics have begun posting the resignation letter on social media platforms like X. The Guardian has quoted a UN spokesperson who said that these were Mokhiber's "personal views". “I can confirm that he is retiring today. He informed the UN in March 2023 of his upcoming retirement, which takes effect tomorrow. The views in his letter made public today are his personal views,” said the spokesperson.

Pele's last Number 10 Brazil jersey sold for 30,000 euros in Italy

Italy&nbsp;authorised the&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;of&nbsp;two&nbsp;charity&nbsp;ships&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;more than 100&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday.

"The European Commission has started the procedure of distributing the 61&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;on the Alan Kurdi and the 60 aboard the Ocean Viking," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Some European countries, including Germany and France, have offered to accommodate some of these&nbsp;migrants," it said.

German charity Sea-Eye's Alan Kurdi,&nbsp;named after a Syrian child whose drowning in the Mediterranean in 2015 brought global attention to the migrant crisis,&nbsp;will dock in the Sicilian port of Messina while the Ocean Viking of SOS Mediterranean will put in at Pozzallo, also in Sicily.

Rome gave the green light thanks to a temporary system agreed in September with France, Germany,&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;and Malta.&nbsp;

The deal was meant to end the long, drawn-out negotiations that have seen vulnerable asylum-seekers including babies stranded at sea, sometimes for weeks.

Since it was commissioned in summer 2018, the Alan Kurdi has saved nearly 500 people shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, including more than 80 picked up in the recent days, according to Sea-Eye.&nbsp;

On November 28, the Ocean Viking&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;60&nbsp;migrants, including 19 minors, who were on a flimsy wooden boat.

Italy authorised the arrival of two charity ships carrying more than 100 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday.

Italy authorised the arrival of two charity ships carrying more than 100 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday. "The European Commission has started the procedure of distributing the 61 migrants on the Alan Kurdi and the 60 aboard the Ocean Viking," the ministry said in a statement. "Some European countries, including Germany and France, have offered to accommodate some of these migrants," it said. German charity Sea-Eye's Alan Kurdi, named after a Syrian child whose drowning in the Mediterranean in 2015 brought global attention to the migrant crisis, will dock in the Sicilian port of Messina while the Ocean Viking of SOS Mediterranean will put in at Pozzallo, also in Sicily. Rome gave the green light thanks to a temporary system agreed in September with France, Germany, Italy and Malta. The deal was meant to end the long, drawn-out negotiations that have seen vulnerable asylum-seekers including babies stranded at sea, sometimes for weeks. Since it was commissioned in summer 2018, the Alan Kurdi has saved nearly 500 people shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, including more than 80 picked up in the recent days, according to Sea-Eye. On November 28, the Ocean Viking rescued 60 migrants, including 19 minors, who were on a flimsy wooden boat.

Italy: Arrival of two ships carrying rescued migrants authorised

Sweden footballer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ac-milan-offer-ibrahimovic-six-month-deal-reports-263650">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a> has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy".

The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last month following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs.

"I'll join a club which must get back to winning, which must renew its history and is in search of a battle against everyone and everything," Ibrahimovic&nbsp;told GQ Italia.

"That is the only way I'll be able to find the necessary motivation to surprise you again.&nbsp;

"It's not just about choosing a team, as there are other factors that need to line up, including in the interests of my family.

"I'll see you in Italy soon."

According to reports in Italy, Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former giants AC Milan, who are 11th in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-ballon-dor-to-receive-serie-a-player-of-the-year-award-in-italy-266021">Serie A</a> table.

Napoli are also a possible destination as last season's runners-up sit seventh, after a run of six league games without a win.

"I love to make the difference," he added. "I don't just want to do one or two things well, I want to do all of it."

Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances.

He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-fires-inter-top-of-serie-a-as-juventus-slip-up-265660">Juventus</a>, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.

Sweden footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy".

Sweden footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has fuelled speculation that he is set to return to Italy, where he has played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, by saying in an interview: "see you soon in Italy". The 38-year-old striker confirmed his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy last month following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs. "I'll join a club which must get back to winning, which must renew its history and is in search of a battle against everyone and everything," Ibrahimovic told GQ Italia. "That is the only way I'll be able to find the necessary motivation to surprise you again. "It's not just about choosing a team, as there are other factors that need to line up, including in the interests of my family. "I'll see you in Italy soon." According to reports in Italy, Ibrahimovic has been offered a six-month deal to come to the aid of struggling former giants AC Milan, who are 11th in the Serie A table. Napoli are also a possible destination as last season's runners-up sit seventh, after a run of six league games without a win. "I love to make the difference," he added. "I don't just want to do one or two things well, I want to do all of it." Ibrahimovic played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012 with AC Milan, helping them to their last Serie A title, and scoring 42 goals in 61 league appearances. He also won three league titles with Inter Milan, and two with Juventus, which were both revoked following the 'Calciopoli' match-fixing scandal.

'See you soon in Italy': Ibrahimovic fuels talk of Serie A return

France, Italy battle massive floods. Heavy rains down trees, trigger mudslides. Watch this video to know more.

France, Italy battle massive floods

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed.

Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street".&nbsp;

The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations.

A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000.

Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history".

Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed".

- 'We are in revolt!'- 
In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome.

March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year.

The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!"

Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration.

"We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner.

A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year.

"Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno.

At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed.

Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners.

It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted.

'System not working'&nbsp;

In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation.

The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137.

Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures.

One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook.

"With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures."

Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women."

The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge.

De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem.

But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year.

The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family.

The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday.

Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners.

Tens of thousands marched in France and Italy Saturday calling for an end to violence against women, remembering the dozens killed in each country this year by current or former partners. Central Paris was awash with purple -- the colour adopted for the campaign -- with some protesters holding up placards bearing the image of a relative or friend killed. Some signs bore the words "Break the silence, not women," and "Aggressor, stalker, you are done for, the women are in the street". The Paris march, mainly attended by women, was one of 30 organised throughout France involving nearly 70 organisations, political parties, unions and associations. A count by the Occurrence consultancy, commissioned by the news media including AFP, put the turnout in the French capital at 49,000. Feminist collective #NousToutes ("All of Us") meanwhile said 100,000 marched in Paris and 150,000 across France, hailing it as "the biggest march against gender-based violence in French history". Caroline De Haas, one of the Paris organisers, said "the level of awareness is moving at breakneck speed". - 'We are in revolt!'- In Italy, tens of thousands of people, mainly women, marched in the capital Rome. March organisers "Non Una de Meno!" (Not One Less!) say 94 women have been killed by their partners or former partners this year. The procession moved through the city's old quarter behind a large banner that read: "Against your violence, we are in revolt!" Banners from political parties and unions were absent at the request of the organisers and many of those taking part wore pink, the colour of choice for the demonstration. "We are the fierce and powerful voice of all those women who no longer have a voice," said one banner. A float that played music along the route also broadcast the names of women killed by their partners or ex-partners this year. "Everywhere in the world, women are revolting against patriarchal, racist, institutional, environmental and economic violence," said a statement from Non Una Di Meno. At 4:30 pm (1530 GMT) the marchers sat down on the ground and remained silent for a few minutes in memory of the women who had been killed. Italy's Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri on Saturday announced 12 million euros would be released to help the children of women killed by their partners. It will be used to fund scholarships, medical costs and professional training, he tweeted. 'System not working' In France, a total of 116 women have been murdered in France so far this year by their husband, partner or ex-partner, according to an AFP investigation. The group "Femicides by companions or ex" puts the toll at 137. Some 121 were killed in France last year, according to official figures. One woman is killed in France every three days by their partner or ex-partner, while marital violence affects 220,000 Frenchwomen every year. "We can no longer count the number of cases where femicides could have been avoided," the Paris march organisers NousToutes said on Facebook. "With this march, we will make the public authorities take appropriate measures." Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet has said: "Our system is not working to protect these women." The government is expected to announce about 40 measures on Monday to tackle the scourge. De Haas and other activists have said a billion euros needs to be invested to address the problem. But the office of France's equality ministry said it has put aside 361.5 million euros ($398 million) a year. The killings in France are part of a global scourge that shows no signs of abating, with 87,000 women and girls killed in 2017 according to the UN -- over half of them killed either by their spouse, partner or own family. The marches in France and Italy come ahead of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is on Monday. Meanwhile, police said Saturday they had charged a 59-year-old man with the manslaughter of his wife, a week after her body was found in woodlands in the Loire region.

Tens of thousands march in France, Italy to protest femicide

ArcelorMittal has agreed to immediately restart talks with the Italian government over the future of steelmaker Ilva, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/arcelormittal-wants-to-cut-5000-jobs-italy-pm-260457">Giuseppe Conte </a>said after a four-hour-long meeting with the company's leaders.

Rome and ArcelorMittal are on the brink of a harsh legal battle as the latter tries to walk away from a 2018 deal to buy the troubled Ilva plant in the southern city of Taranto.

The Indian steelmaker has blamed the Italian government's move to scrap previous guarantees of legal immunity for a massive clean-up operation at Ilva's heavily polluted site.

Conte said the Mittals were available to start immediate talks to decide on a new shared future for Ilva.

"The aim...is to get to a new industrial plan, with new production solutions and new ecological technologies allowing the highest effort in cleaning up the environment," Conte said late on Friday after a meeting in Rome with Chairman and Chief Executive Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya Mittal, the group's Chief Financial Officer and CEO of ArcelorMittal Europe.

Arcelor Mittal said on Saturday the meeting was "constructive".

"Talks will continue with the aim of reaching an agreement as soon as possible for sustainable steel production in Taranto," it said in a statement.

To facilitate the talks, the government will ask for the postponement of a court hearing scheduled for November 27 over an urgent appeal filed by Rome to try to stop ArcelorMittlal's planned decision to shut down Ilva.

"We're ready to allow this postponement under the condition that ArcelorMittal agrees to keep plant working and production flowing during talks," Conte said.

Ilva, Europe's biggest steel plant, employs around 8,200 workers, with thousands of more jobs depending indirectly on the site.

According to trade unions, ArcelorMittal was ready to hand over the plant to state-appointed administrators on Dec. 4 and had begun winding down operations ahead of turning off blast furnaces and production lines.

However, earlier this week ArcelorMittal said it would halt the planned shutdown pending the court ruling.

Conte said legal immunity was not discussed at the meeting but opened up the possibility that the state could play a direct role in Ilva, given its importance for the wider Italian economy.

Rome is also ready to adopt measures to support Ilva's workers, Conte said, adding that the highest levels of employment must be preserved.

ArcelorMittal has agreed to immediately restart talks with the Italian government over the future of steelmaker Ilva, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said after a four-hour-long meeting with the company's leaders.

ArcelorMittal has agreed to immediately restart talks with the Italian government over the future of steelmaker Ilva, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said after a four-hour-long meeting with the company's leaders. Rome and ArcelorMittal are on the brink of a harsh legal battle as the latter tries to walk away from a 2018 deal to buy the troubled Ilva plant in the southern city of Taranto. The Indian steelmaker has blamed the Italian government's move to scrap previous guarantees of legal immunity for a massive clean-up operation at Ilva's heavily polluted site. Conte said the Mittals were available to start immediate talks to decide on a new shared future for Ilva. "The aim...is to get to a new industrial plan, with new production solutions and new ecological technologies allowing the highest effort in cleaning up the environment," Conte said late on Friday after a meeting in Rome with Chairman and Chief Executive Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya Mittal, the group's Chief Financial Officer and CEO of ArcelorMittal Europe. Arcelor Mittal said on Saturday the meeting was "constructive". "Talks will continue with the aim of reaching an agreement as soon as possible for sustainable steel production in Taranto," it said in a statement. To facilitate the talks, the government will ask for the postponement of a court hearing scheduled for November 27 over an urgent appeal filed by Rome to try to stop ArcelorMittlal's planned decision to shut down Ilva. "We're ready to allow this postponement under the condition that ArcelorMittal agrees to keep plant working and production flowing during talks," Conte said. Ilva, Europe's biggest steel plant, employs around 8,200 workers, with thousands of more jobs depending indirectly on the site. According to trade unions, ArcelorMittal was ready to hand over the plant to state-appointed administrators on Dec. 4 and had begun winding down operations ahead of turning off blast furnaces and production lines. However, earlier this week ArcelorMittal said it would halt the planned shutdown pending the court ruling. Conte said legal immunity was not discussed at the meeting but opened up the possibility that the state could play a direct role in Ilva, given its importance for the wider Italian economy. Rome is also ready to adopt measures to support Ilva's workers, Conte said, adding that the highest levels of employment must be preserved.

Italy's government restarts talks with ArcelorMittal over ailing Ilva steel plant

Italy thumped hapless Armenia 9-1 on Monday to complete their Euro 2020 qualifying group with a perfect record and extend their record-breaking run to 11 successive international wins as they looked forward to next year's tournament.

Italy thumped hapless Armenia 9-1 on Monday to complete their Euro 2020 qualifying group with a perfect record and extend their record-breaking run to 11 successive international wins as they looked forward to next year's tournament. Twenty-year-old Nicolo Zaniolo scored a brace, his first international goals, while Ciro Immobile also scored twice as Italy, already qualified, completed Group J with 30 points from their 10 games. Nicolo Barella, Alessio Romagnoli, Jorginho, debutant Riccardo Orsolini and Federico Chiesa shared the other goals. Italy also beat the United States in a friendly before the group stage began and their winning run is the longest in their 109-year history. Armenia finished fifth with 10 points and were eliminated as they cannot qualify through the playoffs. "I think we have the basis to become a great team for many years," said coach Roberto Mancini. "All of our young players are improving - playing international football adds to the quality they already possess. "We have got six months to prepare for the European Championship and it is going to be difficult to decide who to leave out of the final 23." Italy have scored nine goals or more in a game on three occasions -- in a friendly against France in 1920 which they won 9-4 and in Olympic Games matches against Egypt in 1932, which they won 11-3, and the United States in 1948 when they won 9-0. NEW-LOOK SIDE Mancini made seven changes from Friday's 3-0 win in Bosnia and his new-look side were two goals ahead inside 10 minutes. Immobile headed in Chiesa's cross after eight minutes and one minute later the Lazio forward turned provider when he ran forward and slipped the ball to Zaniolo who scored with a shot between goalkeeper Arma Airapetyan's legs. Armenia nearly pulled one back when Aleksandr Karapetyan intercepted Leonardo Bonucci's back pass and saw his lob bounce off the bar before Italy quickly added two more. Bonucci sent Barella through and he dinked the ball over Airapetyan for the third before Immobile ran on to Zaniolo's through ball and rounded the beleaguered keeper for the fourth after only 33 minutes. Zaniolo added a fifth in the 64th, Romagnoli scored from a rebound eight minutes later and Jorginho converted a penalty in the 75th minute before substitute Orsolini headed in Chiesa's cross to make it 8-0. Edgar Babayan netted a consolation goal for Armenia with a long-range shot before Chiesa finally got on the scoresheet with by heading in an Orsolini cross. In the other games, Finland, who guaranteed second place on Friday to qualify for their first major tournament, lost 2-1 in Greece while Bosnia won 3-0 away to Liechtenstein. Bosnia could still qualify through the playoffs in March.

European qualifiers: Italy put nine past Armenia to finish with perfect record

By Dimitrios Syrrakos

The eurozone has emerged from its debt crisis of 2010-18 intact, but at a very high cost to the periphery. Greece’s exit from its third bailout in August 2018, the swan song of the crisis, is perceived as successful only from a purely accounting perspective. Of the approximately €290 billion (£248 billion) lent to the country overall by the IMF, European Commission and European Central Bank, less than 12 per cent was spent on investment.

The remainder has been used to service Greece’s spiralling national debt, and even then, repayments are only covered up to 2022. Thanks to the government spending cuts implemented from 2010-18 in return for these loans, unemployment is still running at 17 per cent.

What timing for the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to make his first official visit to Athens, intensifying a friendship between the two countries that has been developing for more than a decade. Earlier this year, Greece already became a member of China’s 17+1 initiative, which aims to deepen cooperation between Beijing and 17 states in central and eastern Europe and the Balkans.

The initiative is part of China’s One Belt One Road project to develop connectivity and trade in Eurasia and beyond, to which the Greeks committed as far back as 2009 – the first developed economy and NATO member to do so. Greece has also unnerved its Western allies in the past couple of years by obstructing EU plans to condemn China over issues like human rights and the law of the sea.

To mark Xi Jinping’s visit to Athens, 16 new bilateral agreements were announced. They build on previous Chinese investments into Greek shipping, while also covering sectors as diverse as education and agriculture. This comes just two months after the Chinese president made a similar trip to Italy. That, too, saw the announcement of trade deals covering various sectors worth multiple billions of euros. The Italians also became the first major Western power to endorse One Belt One Road.

The Chinese alternative

The timing of these Italian and Greek announcements is not a coincidence. Italy, like Greece, is saddled with high debts and is bearing the brunt of the EU external migration crisis. Both countries had been calling on the EU for pan-European investment programmes for the past three years, but were rejected outright by core eurozone members like Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.

Greece and Italy are attempting the fine balancing act of dealing with China without undermining the EU’s overarching external trade policy, but the EU and Americans are still uneasy. The EU, in particular, is worried about China promoting its alternative model of governance without democracy.

In the case of the Greek announcement, one major concern is China’s involvement in the port of Piraeus via its state-owned China Ocean Shipping Corporation (COSCO). Though COSCO has taken stakes in at least 15 European ports in recent years, including the likes of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Marseilles, the port of Piraeus is a particularly eye-catching commitment.

The Chinese became the port’s majority owner in 2016, and had already committed €800m towards upgrading its facilities. Now there will be a further €600m investment. This aims to turn Piraeus into the biggest commercial port in Europe, while raising COSCO’s stake from 51 per cent to 67 per cent by 2022. The Chinese see Piraeus as a gateway to EU markets, with a strategic role in Asia-European-African trade routes thanks to its close proximity to the Suez Canal.

Greece’s participation in China’s 17+1 initiative is also viewed by the West as particularly significant. Greece is the biggest of the five eurozone members to have joined – the others are Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Membership is part of Greece’s broader plan to realise international trade agreements via new trade routes. The move seems to have rejuvenated an initiative which has been limited to upgrading infrastructure and had stalled since 2016.

While Greece initially joined 17+1 under its hard-left Syriza government, the fact that the new conservative government is prepared to upgrade strategic relations with China demonstrates that the relationship can survive political change in Athens. Xi Jinping’s visit came just a week after prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Shanghai, after China made Greece the official guest country of the 2019 China International Import Expo.

The way ahead

In truth, it looks somewhat late for the EU to be concerned about these moves by Greece and Italy. They are the direct result of the strict bailouts and the eurozone’s refusal to invest seriously in either country. Other eurozone reforms that might help these countries – a eurozone fiscal union with an unemployment insurance programme; a eurozone banking union with a pan-European deposits guarantee scheme; a single European immigration policy – are also long overdue.

To make matters worse, eurozone growth rates have slowed considerably – led by Germany, the supposed powerhouse. France seems to be the only member yet to feel the impact of US tariffs, the Brexit process and the slowdown in the Chinese economy. The gloom is being exacerbated by the likes of the new fragmented European parliament and fragile Italian banks.

This all means that there is less room for manoeuvre than there might have been two or three years ago. So while the West may wish that its Mediterranean allies were not looking eastwards, it is going to be difficult to put this particular genie back inside its bottle. The growing sense in Rome and Athens that they have been abandoned by their allies will be difficult to reverse.

(Dimitrios Syrrakos is Deputy Head - Department of Economics, Policy and International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-relationships-with-greece-and-italy-are-deepening-eu-is-reaping-exactly-what-it-sowed-127087">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Dimitrios Syrrakos The eurozone has emerged from its debt crisis of 2010-18 intact, but at a very high cost to the periphery. Greece’s exit from its third bailout in August 2018, the swan song of the crisis, is perceived as successful only from a purely accounting perspective.

By Dimitrios Syrrakos The eurozone has emerged from its debt crisis of 2010-18 intact, but at a very high cost to the periphery. Greece’s exit from its third bailout in August 2018, the swan song of the crisis, is perceived as successful only from a purely accounting perspective. Of the approximately €290 billion (£248 billion) lent to the country overall by the IMF, European Commission and European Central Bank, less than 12 per cent was spent on investment. The remainder has been used to service Greece’s spiralling national debt, and even then, repayments are only covered up to 2022. Thanks to the government spending cuts implemented from 2010-18 in return for these loans, unemployment is still running at 17 per cent. What timing for the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, to make his first official visit to Athens, intensifying a friendship between the two countries that has been developing for more than a decade. Earlier this year, Greece already became a member of China’s 17+1 initiative, which aims to deepen cooperation between Beijing and 17 states in central and eastern Europe and the Balkans. The initiative is part of China’s One Belt One Road project to develop connectivity and trade in Eurasia and beyond, to which the Greeks committed as far back as 2009 – the first developed economy and NATO member to do so. Greece has also unnerved its Western allies in the past couple of years by obstructing EU plans to condemn China over issues like human rights and the law of the sea. To mark Xi Jinping’s visit to Athens, 16 new bilateral agreements were announced. They build on previous Chinese investments into Greek shipping, while also covering sectors as diverse as education and agriculture. This comes just two months after the Chinese president made a similar trip to Italy. That, too, saw the announcement of trade deals covering various sectors worth multiple billions of euros. The Italians also became the first major Western power to endorse One Belt One Road. The Chinese alternative The timing of these Italian and Greek announcements is not a coincidence. Italy, like Greece, is saddled with high debts and is bearing the brunt of the EU external migration crisis. Both countries had been calling on the EU for pan-European investment programmes for the past three years, but were rejected outright by core eurozone members like Germany, the Netherlands and Finland. Greece and Italy are attempting the fine balancing act of dealing with China without undermining the EU’s overarching external trade policy, but the EU and Americans are still uneasy. The EU, in particular, is worried about China promoting its alternative model of governance without democracy. In the case of the Greek announcement, one major concern is China’s involvement in the port of Piraeus via its state-owned China Ocean Shipping Corporation (COSCO). Though COSCO has taken stakes in at least 15 European ports in recent years, including the likes of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Marseilles, the port of Piraeus is a particularly eye-catching commitment. The Chinese became the port’s majority owner in 2016, and had already committed €800m towards upgrading its facilities. Now there will be a further €600m investment. This aims to turn Piraeus into the biggest commercial port in Europe, while raising COSCO’s stake from 51 per cent to 67 per cent by 2022. The Chinese see Piraeus as a gateway to EU markets, with a strategic role in Asia-European-African trade routes thanks to its close proximity to the Suez Canal. Greece’s participation in China’s 17+1 initiative is also viewed by the West as particularly significant. Greece is the biggest of the five eurozone members to have joined – the others are Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Membership is part of Greece’s broader plan to realise international trade agreements via new trade routes. The move seems to have rejuvenated an initiative which has been limited to upgrading infrastructure and had stalled since 2016. While Greece initially joined 17+1 under its hard-left Syriza government, the fact that the new conservative government is prepared to upgrade strategic relations with China demonstrates that the relationship can survive political change in Athens. Xi Jinping’s visit came just a week after prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Shanghai, after China made Greece the official guest country of the 2019 China International Import Expo. The way ahead In truth, it looks somewhat late for the EU to be concerned about these moves by Greece and Italy. They are the direct result of the strict bailouts and the eurozone’s refusal to invest seriously in either country. Other eurozone reforms that might help these countries – a eurozone fiscal union with an unemployment insurance programme; a eurozone banking union with a pan-European deposits guarantee scheme; a single European immigration policy – are also long overdue. To make matters worse, eurozone growth rates have slowed considerably – led by Germany, the supposed powerhouse. France seems to be the only member yet to feel the impact of US tariffs, the Brexit process and the slowdown in the Chinese economy. The gloom is being exacerbated by the likes of the new fragmented European parliament and fragile Italian banks. This all means that there is less room for manoeuvre than there might have been two or three years ago. So while the West may wish that its Mediterranean allies were not looking eastwards, it is going to be difficult to put this particular genie back inside its bottle. The growing sense in Rome and Athens that they have been abandoned by their allies will be difficult to reverse. (Dimitrios Syrrakos is Deputy Head - Department of Economics, Policy and International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Metropolitan University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China’s relationships with Greece and Italy are deepening – EU is reaping exactly what it sowed

Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Venice after the ancient lagoon city was severely flooded earlier this week.

Italy: Emergency declared in the city of Venice

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

Tourists larked around in the flooded St Mark's Square in the sunshine, snapping selfies in their neon plastic boots and taking advantage of a respite in bad weather which has driven the high tides.

Sirens warning of fresh flooding rang through the canal city early Thursday but the water level remained low compared to Tuesday's tide, the highest in 50 years.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", met Venice's mayor and emergency services before jumping in a speed boat to visit businesses and locals affected by the tide.

In pics: <a href="Watch: Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees'">Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees'</a>

Residents whose houses had been hit would immediately get up to 5,000 euros ($5,500) in government aid, while restaurant and shop owners could receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later, he said.

Several museums remained closed to the public on Thursday.

As authorities assessed the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water invaded the crypt, locals were defiant.

Many stopped for their habitual coffees at flooded bars, drinking their espresso while standing in several inches of water.

Austrian tourist Cornelia Litschauer, 28, said she felt mixed emotions seeing Venice's famous square half submerged.&nbsp;

"For the tourists it's amazing, it's something to see. But for the people who live here it's a real problem," Litschauer said, cradling her white Chihuahua Pablo

"It's strange. Tourists are taking pictures but the city is suffering."&nbsp;

'Need to adapt'

The Locanda Al Leon hotel said its bookings had suffered from the international media coverage of the flood, with some guests cancelling their rooms after seeing images of Venice underwater.

Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos in the chilly morning sun.

"This (trip) was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said.&nbsp;

"Actually this is a good experience. It's an adventure."

Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said.

Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966.

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi arrived for a private tour of the damage sustained to the basilica, while the rival leader of the Italian right Matteo Salvini was due to drop by for the same on Friday.

French tourist Manon Gaudre, 22, said seeing Venice submerged was a "unique experience".

"The damage it's causing to monuments and the people is worrying," she said, wondering if climate change was to blame.

Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that Italy -- a country prone to natural disasters -- must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons.

"We need to be resilient and adapt. We need a policy that looks at the climate through completely different eyes," Environment Minister Sergio Costa said Thursday.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage to Venice at hundreds of millions of euros (dollars).

The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global visitors each year.

A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

"This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly six billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said.

The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of it caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered it had rusted.

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city. Tourists larked around in the flooded St Mark's Square in the sunshine, snapping selfies in their neon plastic boots and taking advantage of a respite in bad weather which has driven the high tides. Sirens warning of fresh flooding rang through the canal city early Thursday but the water level remained low compared to Tuesday's tide, the highest in 50 years. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", met Venice's mayor and emergency services before jumping in a speed boat to visit businesses and locals affected by the tide. In pics: Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees' Residents whose houses had been hit would immediately get up to 5,000 euros ($5,500) in government aid, while restaurant and shop owners could receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later, he said. Several museums remained closed to the public on Thursday. As authorities assessed the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water invaded the crypt, locals were defiant. Many stopped for their habitual coffees at flooded bars, drinking their espresso while standing in several inches of water. Austrian tourist Cornelia Litschauer, 28, said she felt mixed emotions seeing Venice's famous square half submerged. "For the tourists it's amazing, it's something to see. But for the people who live here it's a real problem," Litschauer said, cradling her white Chihuahua Pablo "It's strange. Tourists are taking pictures but the city is suffering." 'Need to adapt' The Locanda Al Leon hotel said its bookings had suffered from the international media coverage of the flood, with some guests cancelling their rooms after seeing images of Venice underwater. Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos in the chilly morning sun. "This (trip) was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said. "Actually this is a good experience. It's an adventure." Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said. Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966. Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi arrived for a private tour of the damage sustained to the basilica, while the rival leader of the Italian right Matteo Salvini was due to drop by for the same on Friday. French tourist Manon Gaudre, 22, said seeing Venice submerged was a "unique experience". "The damage it's causing to monuments and the people is worrying," she said, wondering if climate change was to blame. Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that Italy -- a country prone to natural disasters -- must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons. "We need to be resilient and adapt. We need a policy that looks at the climate through completely different eyes," Environment Minister Sergio Costa said Thursday. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage to Venice at hundreds of millions of euros (dollars). The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global visitors each year. A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays. "This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly six billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said. The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of it caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered it had rusted.

Italy to declare state of emergency in Venice after flood

Venice's mayor called the city a disaster zone on Wednesday after the second-highest tide ever recorded swept through it overnight,&nbsp;flooding its historic basilica and leaving many squares and alleyways deep underwater.

A local man from Pellestrina, one of the many islands in the Venetian lagoon, died when he was struck by lightning while using an electric water pump, the fire brigade said.

City officials said the tide peaked at 187 cm (6ft 2ins) at 10.50 p.m. (2150 GMT) on Tuesday, just short of the record 194 cm set in 1966.

Night-time footage showed a torrent of water whipped up by high winds raging through the city centre while Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, described a scene of "apocalyptic devastation".

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the situation was dramatic. "We ask the government to help us. The cost will be high. This is the result of climate change," he said on Twitter.

He said he would declare a disaster zone and ask the government to call a state of emergency, which would allow funds to be freed to address the damage.

Saint Mark's Square was submerged by more than one metre of water, while the adjacent Saint Mark's Basilica was&nbsp;flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years - but the fourth in the last 20.

A&nbsp;flood&nbsp;barrier was designed in 1984 to protect Venice from the kind of high tides that hit the city on Tuesday, but the multi-billion euro project, known as Mose, has been plagued by corruption scandals and is still not operative.

Brugnaro said the basilica had suffered "grave damage", but no details were available on the state of its mainly Byzantine interior, famous for its rich mosaics.

Its administrator said the basilica had aged 20 years in a single day when it was&nbsp;flooded last year.

'On its knees'

Some tourists appeared to enjoy the drama, with one man filmed swimming across Saint Mark's Square wearing only shorts on Tuesday evening.

"Venice is on its knees.. the art, the basilica, the shops and the homes, a disaster.. The city is bracing itself for the next high tide," Zaia said on TV.

The luxury Hotel Gritti, a landmark of Venice which looks onto the Lagoon, was also&nbsp;flooded.

On Wednesday morning the tide level fell to 145 cm but was expected to rise back to 160 cm during the day.

Local authorities and the government's civil protection unit will hold a news conference at 1100 GMT.

The overnight surge triggered several fires, including one at the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro, with hundreds of calls to the fire brigade.

Video on social media showed deep water flowing like a river along one of Venice's main thoroughfares. Other footage showed large waves hammering boats moored alongside the Doge's Palace and surging over the stone sidewalks.

"A high tide of 187 cm is going to leave an indelible wound," Brugnaro said.

Much of Italy has been pummelled by torrential rains in recent days, with widespread&nbsp;flooding, especially in the southern heel and toe of the country.

In Matera, this year's European Capital of Culture, rainwater cascaded through the streets and inundated the city's famous cave-dwelling district.

Further bad weather is forecast for the coming days.

Venice's mayor called the city a disaster zone on Wednesday after the second-highest tide ever recorded swept through it overnight, flooding its historic basilica and leaving many squares and alleyways deep underwater.

Venice's mayor called the city a disaster zone on Wednesday after the second-highest tide ever recorded swept through it overnight, flooding its historic basilica and leaving many squares and alleyways deep underwater. A local man from Pellestrina, one of the many islands in the Venetian lagoon, died when he was struck by lightning while using an electric water pump, the fire brigade said. City officials said the tide peaked at 187 cm (6ft 2ins) at 10.50 p.m. (2150 GMT) on Tuesday, just short of the record 194 cm set in 1966. Night-time footage showed a torrent of water whipped up by high winds raging through the city centre while Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, described a scene of "apocalyptic devastation". Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the situation was dramatic. "We ask the government to help us. The cost will be high. This is the result of climate change," he said on Twitter. He said he would declare a disaster zone and ask the government to call a state of emergency, which would allow funds to be freed to address the damage. Saint Mark's Square was submerged by more than one metre of water, while the adjacent Saint Mark's Basilica was flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years - but the fourth in the last 20. A flood barrier was designed in 1984 to protect Venice from the kind of high tides that hit the city on Tuesday, but the multi-billion euro project, known as Mose, has been plagued by corruption scandals and is still not operative. Brugnaro said the basilica had suffered "grave damage", but no details were available on the state of its mainly Byzantine interior, famous for its rich mosaics. Its administrator said the basilica had aged 20 years in a single day when it was flooded last year. 'On its knees' Some tourists appeared to enjoy the drama, with one man filmed swimming across Saint Mark's Square wearing only shorts on Tuesday evening. "Venice is on its knees.. the art, the basilica, the shops and the homes, a disaster.. The city is bracing itself for the next high tide," Zaia said on TV. The luxury Hotel Gritti, a landmark of Venice which looks onto the Lagoon, was also flooded. On Wednesday morning the tide level fell to 145 cm but was expected to rise back to 160 cm during the day. Local authorities and the government's civil protection unit will hold a news conference at 1100 GMT. The overnight surge triggered several fires, including one at the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro, with hundreds of calls to the fire brigade. Video on social media showed deep water flowing like a river along one of Venice's main thoroughfares. Other footage showed large waves hammering boats moored alongside the Doge's Palace and surging over the stone sidewalks. "A high tide of 187 cm is going to leave an indelible wound," Brugnaro said. Much of Italy has been pummelled by torrential rains in recent days, with widespread flooding, especially in the southern heel and toe of the country. In Matera, this year's European Capital of Culture, rainwater cascaded through the streets and inundated the city's famous cave-dwelling district. Further bad weather is forecast for the coming days.

Venice devastated by second highest tide in history

One comes from a wealthy family, attended Milan's best schools and has spent all his career engineering mergers at Mediobanca, Italy's most influential investment bank.

The other was raised in an orphanage and was too poor to go to high school but at 84 is Italy's richest man, having built the world's biggest eyewear group from scratch.

Mediobanca's boss Alberto Nagel, 54, and Leonardo Del Vecchio, who in less than two months has become the bank's top investor, are squaring off in a battle for control that is rattling the world of Italian finance.

At stake is the future direction of Mediobanca, a venerable institution more than seven decades old. Billionaire tycoon Del Vecchio says Mediobanca should reduce its focus on consumer finance and instead&nbsp;beef up its traditional investment banking business through acquisitions.

Del Vecchio, chairman of Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, unexpectedly built a stake of 7 per cent&nbsp;in Mediobanca in mid-September - only informing Nagel of his move hours before issuing a statement.

Last week he raised his holding to just under 10 per cent, and four sources close to the matter said he was planning to go higher still - which would require approval from the European Central Bank. One of the sources said he was aiming for as much as 20 per cent.

Representatives for Del Vecchio were not immediately available to comment for this story.

The tycoon's bold move on Mediobanca has echoes of the corporate intrigue in the so-called "salotto buono", or fine drawing-room, the informal club that has pulled the strings incorporate Italy since 1945 and had Mediobanca at its centre.

So far, he has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to motive.

But in brief, remarks that were widely viewed as a direct challenge to Nagel's strategy, he said last month Mediobanca should rely less on contributions from its consumer credit business and its most prized asset - insurer Generali.

He also said Mediobanca was too small, having missed out on a number of possible deals.

The relationship between the pair has deteriorated quickly from 2017 when Mediobanca advised Del Vecchio on the 48 billion euro Luxottica-Essilor merger.

A turning point appeared to come last year when Mediobanca, a leading shareholder in a Milanese cancer hospital, blocked a 500-million-euro investment that Del Vecchio wanted to make in the hospital using his own charity firm which would have seen a unit named after him.

Del Vecchio's ultimate goal behind the Mediobanca's stake-building and management's criticism is to have more control over the future of Generali, including through possible cross-border deals, according to three of the sources close to the matter.

Del Vecchio blames Nagel, as well as Generali's CEO Philippe Donnet, for what he sees as Generali's poor share price performance compared with rivals like Germany's Allianz&nbsp;or France's Axa, the people said.

While he would favour a tie-up with a foreign group, he wants to ensure Generali's Italian identity is preserved, they added.

Mediobanca is the biggest shareholder in Generali with a 13 per cent&nbsp;stake in Europe's third-largest insurer, which accounts for about 30 per cent&nbsp;of the bank's operating profit. Del Vecchio is also a Generali investor, with a 4.8 per cent&nbsp;stake.

Nagel has dismissed Del Vecchio's criticism and on Tuesday said he would build on his current strategy to drive growth from Mediobanca's wealth management and consumer credit businesses under a plan through to 2023.

Some bankers say Del Vecchio seems to be longing for a return to the "salotto buono" past when influential families acted as the power brokers of corporate Italy through interlinked minority stakes.

"Del Vecchio is looking at the old days with a sense of nostalgia," said a banker at a global investment bank who is close to Generali. "But what's the point of turning back the clock? Mediobanca has evolved into a more structured and transparent financial institution."

Executives at rival banks Mediolanum, which owns 3.3 per cent&nbsp;of Mediobanca, and Intesa Sanpaolo have been supportive of Nagel.

Nagel, who has been chief executive of Mediobanca since 2008 after starting his career there in 1991 at the age of 26, has steered the Milanese bank away from its historic role as a financial holding company.

He has unwound a web of cross-shareholdings that had become conduits for contagion during the financial crisis, selling some 5 billion euros of minority stakes in top companies since 2013.

Meanwhile, he expanded into wealth management through the launch of Che Banca! and a string of mid-sized acquisitions, and boosted the bank's consumer finance business.

Mediobanca also bought French boutique merchant bank Messier Maris &amp; Associes in April, a deal that paid off months later when it won a mandate to advise Peugeot owner PSA&nbsp;in the 50-billion-euro merger talks with Fiat Chrysler.

Yet Del Vecchio's criticism that Mediobanca lacks scale has some merit, some banking sources told Reuters, adding the bank faced increased competition on its investment banking turf from UniCredit and Intesa's Banca IMI as well as foreign rivals.

UniCredit Chief Executive Jean Pierre Mustier appeared to take a swipe at Nagel this weekend, having sold down his lender's 8.4% stake in the bank last week.

"Mediobanca was managed well during the crisis," he said in an interview with la Repubblica newspaper. "But today it's not easy to do investment banking in Europe, and like for the rest of the sector, new ideas will be needed."

One comes from a wealthy family, attended Milan's best schools and has spent all his career engineering mergers at Mediobanca, Italy's most influential investment bank.

One comes from a wealthy family, attended Milan's best schools and has spent all his career engineering mergers at Mediobanca, Italy's most influential investment bank. The other was raised in an orphanage and was too poor to go to high school but at 84 is Italy's richest man, having built the world's biggest eyewear group from scratch. Mediobanca's boss Alberto Nagel, 54, and Leonardo Del Vecchio, who in less than two months has become the bank's top investor, are squaring off in a battle for control that is rattling the world of Italian finance. At stake is the future direction of Mediobanca, a venerable institution more than seven decades old. Billionaire tycoon Del Vecchio says Mediobanca should reduce its focus on consumer finance and instead beef up its traditional investment banking business through acquisitions. Del Vecchio, chairman of Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, unexpectedly built a stake of 7 per cent in Mediobanca in mid-September - only informing Nagel of his move hours before issuing a statement. Last week he raised his holding to just under 10 per cent, and four sources close to the matter said he was planning to go higher still - which would require approval from the European Central Bank. One of the sources said he was aiming for as much as 20 per cent. Representatives for Del Vecchio were not immediately available to comment for this story. The tycoon's bold move on Mediobanca has echoes of the corporate intrigue in the so-called "salotto buono", or fine drawing-room, the informal club that has pulled the strings incorporate Italy since 1945 and had Mediobanca at its centre. So far, he has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to motive. But in brief, remarks that were widely viewed as a direct challenge to Nagel's strategy, he said last month Mediobanca should rely less on contributions from its consumer credit business and its most prized asset - insurer Generali. He also said Mediobanca was too small, having missed out on a number of possible deals. The relationship between the pair has deteriorated quickly from 2017 when Mediobanca advised Del Vecchio on the 48 billion euro Luxottica-Essilor merger. A turning point appeared to come last year when Mediobanca, a leading shareholder in a Milanese cancer hospital, blocked a 500-million-euro investment that Del Vecchio wanted to make in the hospital using his own charity firm which would have seen a unit named after him. Del Vecchio's ultimate goal behind the Mediobanca's stake-building and management's criticism is to have more control over the future of Generali, including through possible cross-border deals, according to three of the sources close to the matter. Del Vecchio blames Nagel, as well as Generali's CEO Philippe Donnet, for what he sees as Generali's poor share price performance compared with rivals like Germany's Allianz or France's Axa, the people said. While he would favour a tie-up with a foreign group, he wants to ensure Generali's Italian identity is preserved, they added. Mediobanca is the biggest shareholder in Generali with a 13 per cent stake in Europe's third-largest insurer, which accounts for about 30 per cent of the bank's operating profit. Del Vecchio is also a Generali investor, with a 4.8 per cent stake. Nagel has dismissed Del Vecchio's criticism and on Tuesday said he would build on his current strategy to drive growth from Mediobanca's wealth management and consumer credit businesses under a plan through to 2023. Some bankers say Del Vecchio seems to be longing for a return to the "salotto buono" past when influential families acted as the power brokers of corporate Italy through interlinked minority stakes. "Del Vecchio is looking at the old days with a sense of nostalgia," said a banker at a global investment bank who is close to Generali. "But what's the point of turning back the clock? Mediobanca has evolved into a more structured and transparent financial institution." Executives at rival banks Mediolanum, which owns 3.3 per cent of Mediobanca, and Intesa Sanpaolo have been supportive of Nagel. Nagel, who has been chief executive of Mediobanca since 2008 after starting his career there in 1991 at the age of 26, has steered the Milanese bank away from its historic role as a financial holding company. He has unwound a web of cross-shareholdings that had become conduits for contagion during the financial crisis, selling some 5 billion euros of minority stakes in top companies since 2013. Meanwhile, he expanded into wealth management through the launch of Che Banca! and a string of mid-sized acquisitions, and boosted the bank's consumer finance business. Mediobanca also bought French boutique merchant bank Messier Maris & Associes in April, a deal that paid off months later when it won a mandate to advise Peugeot owner PSA in the 50-billion-euro merger talks with Fiat Chrysler. Yet Del Vecchio's criticism that Mediobanca lacks scale has some merit, some banking sources told Reuters, adding the bank faced increased competition on its investment banking turf from UniCredit and Intesa's Banca IMI as well as foreign rivals. UniCredit Chief Executive Jean Pierre Mustier appeared to take a swipe at Nagel this weekend, having sold down his lender's 8.4% stake in the bank last week. "Mediobanca was managed well during the crisis," he said in an interview with la Repubblica newspaper. "But today it's not easy to do investment banking in Europe, and like for the rest of the sector, new ideas will be needed."

Battle for Mediobanca: Italy's richest man takes on seasoned CEO

Telecom Italia (TIM) said it planned to spin off its&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre&nbsp;operations and look for an investor ahead of a potential market listing, after unveiling a&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to develop the cloud&nbsp;business.

The move is part of a plan by Chief Executive Luigi Gubitosi aimed at reviving the former monopoly,&nbsp;an&nbsp;underperforming&nbsp;business&nbsp;saddled with 24 billion euros of debt.

In presentation slides on its website,&nbsp;TIM&nbsp;said it would place the&nbsp;data&nbsp;centres&nbsp;under&nbsp;a newly-created legal entity.

TIM&nbsp;will then look for an infrastructure investor that could enter the capital of the new&nbsp;data&nbsp;centre&nbsp;company to finance its expansion while keeping control of it. It could also consider listing the new entity down the road.

On Thursday,&nbsp;TIM&nbsp;a strategic&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;Google&nbsp;on the cloud service market.

Telecom Italia (TIM) said it planned to spin off its data centre operations and look for an investor ahead of a potential market listing, after unveiling a partnership with Google to develop the cloud business.

Telecom Italia (TIM) said it planned to spin off its data centre operations and look for an investor ahead of a potential market listing, after unveiling a partnership with Google to develop the cloud business. The move is part of a plan by Chief Executive Luigi Gubitosi aimed at reviving the former monopoly, an underperforming business saddled with 24 billion euros of debt. In presentation slides on its website, TIM said it would place the data centres under a newly-created legal entity. TIM will then look for an infrastructure investor that could enter the capital of the new data centre company to finance its expansion while keeping control of it. It could also consider listing the new entity down the road. On Thursday, TIM a strategic partnership with Google on the cloud service market.

Italy's TIM to expand data centre business under partnership with Google

Steel giant ArcelorMittal pulled out of an agreement to buy struggling Italian firm Ilva because of production concerns, Italy's prime minister has said, warning the company wants to cut 5,000 jobs at one of its plants.&nbsp;

The world's biggest steelmaker on Monday retreated from its plan to buy the steel producer, blaming a decision by Rome to not grant it immunity from prosecution over the heavily polluting Taranto plant.

The announcement caused shockwaves in Italy where the deal was expected to safeguard thousands of jobs. &nbsp;

But the country's prime minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday said the decision was instead over production targets.&nbsp;

"The real reason for their withdrawal is that their investments are not profitable and they are demanding now that 5,000 jobs are cut. It's unacceptable," he said, after meeting with ArcelorMittal's management.&nbsp;

If the steel giant goes ahead with its plan to pull out of the plant, the government "will not stay inert", he added.

The prime minister hopes that following the discussion, ArcelorMittal will return to the negotiating table "with acceptable and tenable proposals".

ArcelorMittal began leasing the plant -- with an obligation to buy it -- last November and had plans to invest 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to revive it, including 1.2 billion euros to curb pollution by 2024.

The steel giant was given a period of legal immunity to bring the site up to environmental standards.

But after much prevarication, the Italian parliament revoked that decision and the company lost its immunity on November 3.

The Taranto plant in the south of Italy is mired in controversy because experts believe that some 7,500 people have died in the surrounding area as a result of diseases linked to toxic emissions.

The plant -- Europe's largest integrated steelmaking site -- has a workforce of more than 8,000 in the poverty-hit southern Italian city, where unemployment is high.&nbsp;

Conte said he would meet with unions on Thursday and asked the whole country to form a "common front" to support the site.&nbsp;

Steel giant ArcelorMittal pulled out of an agreement to buy struggling Italian firm Ilva because of production concerns, Italy's prime minister has said, warning the company wants to cut 5,000 jobs at one of its plants.

Steel giant ArcelorMittal pulled out of an agreement to buy struggling Italian firm Ilva because of production concerns, Italy's prime minister has said, warning the company wants to cut 5,000 jobs at one of its plants. The world's biggest steelmaker on Monday retreated from its plan to buy the steel producer, blaming a decision by Rome to not grant it immunity from prosecution over the heavily polluting Taranto plant. The announcement caused shockwaves in Italy where the deal was expected to safeguard thousands of jobs. But the country's prime minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday said the decision was instead over production targets. "The real reason for their withdrawal is that their investments are not profitable and they are demanding now that 5,000 jobs are cut. It's unacceptable," he said, after meeting with ArcelorMittal's management. If the steel giant goes ahead with its plan to pull out of the plant, the government "will not stay inert", he added. The prime minister hopes that following the discussion, ArcelorMittal will return to the negotiating table "with acceptable and tenable proposals". ArcelorMittal began leasing the plant -- with an obligation to buy it -- last November and had plans to invest 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to revive it, including 1.2 billion euros to curb pollution by 2024. The steel giant was given a period of legal immunity to bring the site up to environmental standards. But after much prevarication, the Italian parliament revoked that decision and the company lost its immunity on November 3. The Taranto plant in the south of Italy is mired in controversy because experts believe that some 7,500 people have died in the surrounding area as a result of diseases linked to toxic emissions. The plant -- Europe's largest integrated steelmaking site -- has a workforce of more than 8,000 in the poverty-hit southern Italian city, where unemployment is high. Conte said he would meet with unions on Thursday and asked the whole country to form a "common front" to support the site.

ArcelorMittal wants to cut 5,000 jobs: Italy PM

Serie A strugglers Brescia named Italian 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso as their new coach on Tuesday.

The club confirmed in a statement on their website that the 41-year-old would replace Eugenio Corini, who led Brescia out of Serie B last season but was sacked on Sunday after only 10 games of the present campaign following a 2-1 defeat at Verona.

Grosso, who has previously coached Bari and Verona, is best known for scoring a dramatic goal deep into extra-time as Italy beat hosts Germany 2-0 in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

He also converted the winning kick as Italy beat France on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw.

Brescia, who are second-bottom in the 20-team table with seven points from 10 games, are the fifth Serie A club to change coach this season following Sampdoria, Genoa, AC Milan and Udinese.

Serie A strugglers Brescia named Italian 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso as their new coach on Tuesday. The club confirmed in a statement on their website that the 41-year-old would replace Eugenio Corini, who led Brescia out of Serie B last season but was sacked on Sunday after only 10 games of the present campaign following a 2-1 defeat at Verona.

Serie A strugglers Brescia named Italian 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso as their new coach on Tuesday. The club confirmed in a statement on their website that the 41-year-old would replace Eugenio Corini, who led Brescia out of Serie B last season but was sacked on Sunday after only 10 games of the present campaign following a 2-1 defeat at Verona. Grosso, who has previously coached Bari and Verona, is best known for scoring a dramatic goal deep into extra-time as Italy beat hosts Germany 2-0 in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals. He also converted the winning kick as Italy beat France on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw. Brescia, who are second-bottom in the 20-team table with seven points from 10 games, are the fifth Serie A club to change coach this season following Sampdoria, Genoa, AC Milan and Udinese.

Football: Italian World Cup winner Grosso to coach struggling Brescia

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans.

"On Monday we paid tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known&nbsp;as Christopher Columbus," the US president said at the beginning of his press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

"To me, it will always be called Columbus Day," he said. "Some people don't like that -- I do."

Trump was referring to the city of Washington's recent decision to re-name the holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The city councilman behind the name change has said Columbus, who was born in present-day Italy but sailed on behalf of Spain, "colonised, mutilated, and massacred thousands of Indigenous People in the Americas" and "never set foot on the shores of the current United States."

States such as Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii have already re-named the holiday to celebrate indigenous communities who were already living in the Americas when Columbus and his three ships arrived in the Caribbean in 1492.

But the day is also seen as a celebration of the Italian-American community, which counts at least 16 million members, according to the president.

"I think the bonds between Italy and the United States have never been more solid," Trump said Wednesday. "I have so many Italian friends. I can't tell you how many Italian friends."

His Italian counterpart Mattarella offered also offered praise for Columbus, saying the sailor "opened up new horizons, got to know and connected continents which ignored one another."

"Based on the role of the US in the world, it seems to me that he did a good job back then," Mattarella said.

Trump has regularly decried efforts at "political correctness," for example insisting on saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," which some see as more inclusive.

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans.

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans. "On Monday we paid tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known as Christopher Columbus," the US president said at the beginning of his press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. "To me, it will always be called Columbus Day," he said. "Some people don't like that -- I do." Trump was referring to the city of Washington's recent decision to re-name the holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. The city councilman behind the name change has said Columbus, who was born in present-day Italy but sailed on behalf of Spain, "colonised, mutilated, and massacred thousands of Indigenous People in the Americas" and "never set foot on the shores of the current United States." States such as Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii have already re-named the holiday to celebrate indigenous communities who were already living in the Americas when Columbus and his three ships arrived in the Caribbean in 1492. But the day is also seen as a celebration of the Italian-American community, which counts at least 16 million members, according to the president. "I think the bonds between Italy and the United States have never been more solid," Trump said Wednesday. "I have so many Italian friends. I can't tell you how many Italian friends." His Italian counterpart Mattarella offered also offered praise for Columbus, saying the sailor "opened up new horizons, got to know and connected continents which ignored one another." "Based on the role of the US in the world, it seems to me that he did a good job back then," Mattarella said. Trump has regularly decried efforts at "political correctness," for example insisting on saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," which some see as more inclusive.

Donald Trump prefers 'Columbus Day' over 'Indigenous Peoples' Day'

The Italian authorities have given permission to 176 migrants aboard a rescue ship to disembark in the port of Taranto in the south of the country, the NGO SOS Mediterranee said on Monday.

"We are relieved that the 176 survivors can disembark in a safe place without unnecessary waiting," the organisation said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"We are currently heading north," towards Taranto, it added.&nbsp;

The Ocean Viking ship, operated by the NGOs SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders, picked up the migrants from inflatable boats in two operations off the coast of Libya. They include four pregnant women and at least nine people aged under 16.

Earlier on Monday, it had asked EU member countries to assign it a port where the migrants could disembark.

"No site in Libya can currently be considered safe" for migrants, SOS Mediterranee it had said in a statement.

The Ocean Viking's appeal for help comes as European leaders struggle to agree on how to jointly handle the thousands of people trying to reach the continent from Africa.

SOS Mediterranee said it was the fourth time it had asked for access to an EU port since August, shortly after relaunching rescue operations following a seven-month hiatus it blamed on obstruction by European nations.

Last month Italy, France, Germany, and Malta proposed a system for automatically distributing asylum seekers across the EU, but so far only a handful of other nations have backed the plan.

"Ad hoc accords cannot be the solution. We are calling on governments to put an end to an unacceptable situation," said Fabienne Lassalle, a deputy director at SOS Mediterranee France.

The Italian authorities have given permission to 176 migrants aboard a rescue ship to disembark in the port of Taranto in the south of the country, the NGO SOS Mediterranee said on Monday.

The Italian authorities have given permission to 176 migrants aboard a rescue ship to disembark in the port of Taranto in the south of the country, the NGO SOS Mediterranee said on Monday. "We are relieved that the 176 survivors can disembark in a safe place without unnecessary waiting," the organisation said in a tweet. "We are currently heading north," towards Taranto, it added. The Ocean Viking ship, operated by the NGOs SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders, picked up the migrants from inflatable boats in two operations off the coast of Libya. They include four pregnant women and at least nine people aged under 16. Earlier on Monday, it had asked EU member countries to assign it a port where the migrants could disembark. "No site in Libya can currently be considered safe" for migrants, SOS Mediterranee it had said in a statement. The Ocean Viking's appeal for help comes as European leaders struggle to agree on how to jointly handle the thousands of people trying to reach the continent from Africa. SOS Mediterranee said it was the fourth time it had asked for access to an EU port since August, shortly after relaunching rescue operations following a seven-month hiatus it blamed on obstruction by European nations. Last month Italy, France, Germany, and Malta proposed a system for automatically distributing asylum seekers across the EU, but so far only a handful of other nations have backed the plan. "Ad hoc accords cannot be the solution. We are calling on governments to put an end to an unacceptable situation," said Fabienne Lassalle, a deputy director at SOS Mediterranee France.

Italy allows migrants to disembark from rescue ship

Italy is readying a new tax on digital companies in its 2020 budget, as it seeks alternative revenues that will allow it to scrap a scheduled increase in sales tax, two coalition sources told on Monday.

The levy will oblige multinational web-based giants to pay a 3 per cent levy on internet transactions, the sources said, adding that some changes were possible due to ongoing negotiations among the ruling parties.

The scheme is expected to yield around 600 million euros each year, and will apply to companies with annual global revenues worth at least 750 million euros and digital services exceeding 5.5 million euros in Italy.

The plan is broadly in line with proposals from the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD), which last week urged governments to redraw rules for taxing global giants.

Rome is struggling to find resources to avoid a hike in sales tax worth some 23 billion euros ($26 billion), due to kick in from January, which could hurt already weak domestic demand.

The coalition of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party has to send the draft budget to the European Commission by October 15.

Italy and fellow European Union members have long complained about the way Facebook, Google and other web giants collect huge profits in their countries but pay taxes of a few million euros per year at most.

Big internet firms have pushed tax rules to the limit as they can shift earnings to low- or no-tax locations such as Ireland, regardless of where their customers are.

Italy originally set out plans for a web tax in 2018 under the previous coalition of 5-Star and the right-wing League, but that government collapsed in August this year and the levy was never implemented.

The new scheme will take effect from January, sources said. It will operate under a "self-assessment taxation regime" by which the companies submit a calculation of the amount owed. This will be subject to possible checks by the Italian authorities.

If the European Union manages to introduce common rules for a web-tax covering the whole 28-nation bloc, Italy will adjust its own plan accordingly, they added.

Rome has asked the European Commission to present a proposal on minimum taxation for companies across Europe, Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri told a parliamentary hearing on October 8.

Italy is readying a new tax on digital companies in its 2020 budget, as it seeks alternative revenues that will allow it to scrap a scheduled increase in sales tax, two coalition sources told on Monday.

Italy is readying a new tax on digital companies in its 2020 budget, as it seeks alternative revenues that will allow it to scrap a scheduled increase in sales tax, two coalition sources told on Monday. The levy will oblige multinational web-based giants to pay a 3 per cent levy on internet transactions, the sources said, adding that some changes were possible due to ongoing negotiations among the ruling parties. The scheme is expected to yield around 600 million euros each year, and will apply to companies with annual global revenues worth at least 750 million euros and digital services exceeding 5.5 million euros in Italy. The plan is broadly in line with proposals from the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD), which last week urged governments to redraw rules for taxing global giants. Rome is struggling to find resources to avoid a hike in sales tax worth some 23 billion euros ($26 billion), due to kick in from January, which could hurt already weak domestic demand. The coalition of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party has to send the draft budget to the European Commission by October 15. Italy and fellow European Union members have long complained about the way Facebook, Google and other web giants collect huge profits in their countries but pay taxes of a few million euros per year at most. Big internet firms have pushed tax rules to the limit as they can shift earnings to low- or no-tax locations such as Ireland, regardless of where their customers are. Italy originally set out plans for a web tax in 2018 under the previous coalition of 5-Star and the right-wing League, but that government collapsed in August this year and the levy was never implemented. The new scheme will take effect from January, sources said. It will operate under a "self-assessment taxation regime" by which the companies submit a calculation of the amount owed. This will be subject to possible checks by the Italian authorities. If the European Union manages to introduce common rules for a web-tax covering the whole 28-nation bloc, Italy will adjust its own plan accordingly, they added. Rome has asked the European Commission to present a proposal on minimum taxation for companies across Europe, Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri told a parliamentary hearing on October 8.

Italy readies 'web tax' in its 2020 budget: Sources

Italy became the second team to qualify for Euro 2020 after a 2-0 win over Greece on Saturday, while three-time champions Spain edged closer to the finals despite conceding a stoppage-time equaliser away to Norway.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho dispatched a second-half penalty as Italy, wearing green kits for just the second time in history, registered a seventh straight win in Group J.

The Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, added a second in Rome on 78 minutes through a deflected strike from Juventus forward Federico Bernardeschi.

Roberto Mancini's side joined Belgium in the draw for next year's finals, where Italy will play their first two group games at the Stadio Olimpico.&nbsp;

"We managed to create a team in a short period of time. It wasn't easy but you have to thank the players, who have quickly developed an understanding between themselves," said Mancini, who took over as Italy coach 18 months ago.&nbsp;

"It's a team with character that fights and plays with the ball but one that must also improve. Now we have a year to try and get better.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of work but we're not very far from the best European teams. I'm happy and proud to have helped the national team come through a tough patch."&nbsp;

Spain dropped their first points in Group F as Joshua King converted a 94th-minute spot-kick to rescue a 1-1 draw for Norway following a foul by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on Omar Elabdellaoui.

Sergio Ramos broke the Spanish international appearances record as he won his 168th cap in Oslo to overtake Iker Casillas.

The visitors led when Saul Niguez slammed home from 20 yards moments after half-time but Spain were denied a seventh win in a row as King's equaliser kept Norway in the running.

"It's a real pain to lose points in the final seconds. It's complicated to play against a team who knew that if they lost they were pretty much out," said Spain captain Ramos.

Norway last qualified for a major tournament at the 2000 European Championship and are fourth in the group, four points adrift of neighbours Sweden with three games to play.

Sebastian Larsson netted two spot-kicks as Sweden cruised to a 4-0 rout of Malta to reclaim second place behind Spain. Marcus Danielson broke the deadlock on 11 minutes in Ta' Qali and home skipper Andrei Agius also scored an own goal.

Romania remain a point behind Sweden following a 3-0 win in the Faroe Islands secured by second-half goals from George Puscas, Ionut Mitrita and Claudiu Keseru.

Schmeichel denies Switzerland

Kasper Schmeichel produced a series of excellent saves as Denmark defeated Switzerland 1-0 to climb level with the Republic of Ireland in Group D.

Leicester City goalkeeper Schmeichel pulled off superb stops to deny Granit Xhaka, Admir Mehmedi and Ricardo Rodriguez before Yussuf Poulsen grabbed an 84th-minute winner for Denmark in Copenhagen.

The Danes moved up to 12 points alongside group leaders Ireland, who drew 0-0 away to Georgia, while Switzerland are four points off the pace but with a game in hand.

"We battled for the whole game, there was a tremendous atmosphere. I think that was one of my best performances for Denmark," said Schmeichel.

Mick McCarthy's Ireland couldn't establish any momentum earlier in the day in Tbilisi and were left frustrated by wayward finishing from their few opportunities to break the deadlock.

Bosnia and Herzegovina reignited their qualification hopes in Italy's group with a 4-1 win over second-placed Finland.

A brace from Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic and goals from Izet Hajrovic and Armin Hodzic pushed Bosnia to within two points of Finland.

Armenia blew the chance to move level with the Finns as Liechtenstein substitute Yanik Frick cancelled out Tigran Barseghyan's effort in a 1-1 draw in Vaduz.

Italy became the second team to qualify for Euro 2020 after a 2-0 win over Greece on Saturday, while three-time champions Spain edged closer to the finals despite conceding a stoppage-time equaliser away to Norway.

Italy became the second team to qualify for Euro 2020 after a 2-0 win over Greece on Saturday, while three-time champions Spain edged closer to the finals despite conceding a stoppage-time equaliser away to Norway. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho dispatched a second-half penalty as Italy, wearing green kits for just the second time in history, registered a seventh straight win in Group J. The Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, added a second in Rome on 78 minutes through a deflected strike from Juventus forward Federico Bernardeschi. Roberto Mancini's side joined Belgium in the draw for next year's finals, where Italy will play their first two group games at the Stadio Olimpico. "We managed to create a team in a short period of time. It wasn't easy but you have to thank the players, who have quickly developed an understanding between themselves," said Mancini, who took over as Italy coach 18 months ago. "It's a team with character that fights and plays with the ball but one that must also improve. Now we have a year to try and get better. "We have a lot of work but we're not very far from the best European teams. I'm happy and proud to have helped the national team come through a tough patch." Spain dropped their first points in Group F as Joshua King converted a 94th-minute spot-kick to rescue a 1-1 draw for Norway following a foul by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on Omar Elabdellaoui. Sergio Ramos broke the Spanish international appearances record as he won his 168th cap in Oslo to overtake Iker Casillas. The visitors led when Saul Niguez slammed home from 20 yards moments after half-time but Spain were denied a seventh win in a row as King's equaliser kept Norway in the running. "It's a real pain to lose points in the final seconds. It's complicated to play against a team who knew that if they lost they were pretty much out," said Spain captain Ramos. Norway last qualified for a major tournament at the 2000 European Championship and are fourth in the group, four points adrift of neighbours Sweden with three games to play. Sebastian Larsson netted two spot-kicks as Sweden cruised to a 4-0 rout of Malta to reclaim second place behind Spain. Marcus Danielson broke the deadlock on 11 minutes in Ta' Qali and home skipper Andrei Agius also scored an own goal. Romania remain a point behind Sweden following a 3-0 win in the Faroe Islands secured by second-half goals from George Puscas, Ionut Mitrita and Claudiu Keseru. Schmeichel denies Switzerland Kasper Schmeichel produced a series of excellent saves as Denmark defeated Switzerland 1-0 to climb level with the Republic of Ireland in Group D. Leicester City goalkeeper Schmeichel pulled off superb stops to deny Granit Xhaka, Admir Mehmedi and Ricardo Rodriguez before Yussuf Poulsen grabbed an 84th-minute winner for Denmark in Copenhagen. The Danes moved up to 12 points alongside group leaders Ireland, who drew 0-0 away to Georgia, while Switzerland are four points off the pace but with a game in hand. "We battled for the whole game, there was a tremendous atmosphere. I think that was one of my best performances for Denmark," said Schmeichel. Mick McCarthy's Ireland couldn't establish any momentum earlier in the day in Tbilisi and were left frustrated by wayward finishing from their few opportunities to break the deadlock. Bosnia and Herzegovina reignited their qualification hopes in Italy's group with a 4-1 win over second-placed Finland. A brace from Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic and goals from Izet Hajrovic and Armin Hodzic pushed Bosnia to within two points of Finland. Armenia blew the chance to move level with the Finns as Liechtenstein substitute Yanik Frick cancelled out Tigran Barseghyan's effort in a 1-1 draw in Vaduz.

Euro 2020: Italy becomes second team to qualify after 2-0 win over Greece

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year.

Both games were in the projected path of the large and powerful typhoon, which currently has a "violent" rating -- the highest category by Japan's weather bureau -- and is due to hit the Tokyo area on Saturday.

Sunday's four games, including the Pool A shoot-out between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama, near Tokyo, remain under review, said tournament director Alan Gilpin.

"We've taken the very difficult decision to cancel certain matches in the affected areas," Gilpin said.&nbsp;

"While it's regrettable, we've made, we believe, the right decision with everyone's safety as the priority," he added.

Tens of thousands of fans, many of the visitors from abroad, will be affected by the cancellations,&nbsp;the first in the tournament's 32-year history. Their tickets will be fully refunded, Gilpin said.

Japan, whose capital Tokyo hosts the Olympics next year, is battered by around 20 typhoons per year and is one of the world's most seismically active countries.

But Gilpin stressed he had "no regrets at all" about bringing the World Cup to Japan, the first Asian country to host the tournament.

"I think what you've all seen over the last three weeks absolutely in every respect vindicates the right decisions to be hosting a World Cup here in Japan," he said.

"We always knew there were going to be risks. It's rare for a typhoon of this magnitude to cause this impact this late in the typhoon season."

He added that World Rugby had looked "pretty exhaustively" at other options for the games, including switching venues, but "we couldn't guarantee consistent contingency plans across all those games safely for all the teams and fans involved".

Seven games were slated for the final weekend of the pool stage, when matches are tightly packed and cannot be rescheduled. Cancelled games are recorded as 0-0 draws, with both teams awarded two points.

England and France have already qualified from Pool C, with Eddie Jones's men top of the group, but Pool A hangs in the balance ahead of Japan's final game against Scotland in Yokohama on Sunday.

If that game were abandoned, Scotland would be eliminated and Japan would qualify for their first quarter-final as shock group winners, with Ireland runners-up.

Australia's game against Georgia on Friday will go ahead, as will Saturday's match between Ireland and Samoa, which is in Fukuoka in Japan's southwest, out of the predicted path of the storm.

Hagibis, packing maximum gusts of up to 270 kilometres&nbsp;per hour, is currently projected to batter the Tokyo and Yokohama area on Saturday.

The storm "is predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is highly likely to cause considerable disruption... including likely public transport shutdown and disruption", said Gilpin.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said Hagibis was currently "a large and violent typhoon" and while it will weaken before hitting the mainland, it will "remain very strong" and have a "significant impact over large areas".&nbsp;

Hagibis is currently forecast to clip the southeastern corner of Japan near Tokyo and Yokohama but given its size, the impact will be felt across wide swathes of the country.

Formula One organisers also said they were "closely monitoring" the potential impact of Hagibis ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, southwest of Tokyo.

In 2014, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi crashed in bad weather conditions caused by a typhoon, and remained in a coma until his death the following July.

Many people in Chiba, east of Tokyo, are still recovering from Typhoon Faxai, which struck Japan in early September and caused widespread disruption, leaving two people dead and cutting power to half-a-million homes.

Hagibis is taking a similar trajectory to Faxai but is nearly three times bigger in terms of area.

Organisers received immediate criticism for the cancellations, with former World Cup winner Francois Pienaar telling Sky Sports: "Everybody has worked so hard. Why, if you work that hard and prepare yourself, let weather influence the outcome of the match? It shouldn't."

Simon Learey, a British fan here, said he had flown out for the England-France game after getting the tickets as a birthday present.

"Very disappointed, we're only here four days, only to see that game," said Learey.

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year.

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year. Both games were in the projected path of the large and powerful typhoon, which currently has a "violent" rating -- the highest category by Japan's weather bureau -- and is due to hit the Tokyo area on Saturday. Sunday's four games, including the Pool A shoot-out between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama, near Tokyo, remain under review, said tournament director Alan Gilpin. "We've taken the very difficult decision to cancel certain matches in the affected areas," Gilpin said. "While it's regrettable, we've made, we believe, the right decision with everyone's safety as the priority," he added. Tens of thousands of fans, many of the visitors from abroad, will be affected by the cancellations, the first in the tournament's 32-year history. Their tickets will be fully refunded, Gilpin said. Japan, whose capital Tokyo hosts the Olympics next year, is battered by around 20 typhoons per year and is one of the world's most seismically active countries. But Gilpin stressed he had "no regrets at all" about bringing the World Cup to Japan, the first Asian country to host the tournament. "I think what you've all seen over the last three weeks absolutely in every respect vindicates the right decisions to be hosting a World Cup here in Japan," he said. "We always knew there were going to be risks. It's rare for a typhoon of this magnitude to cause this impact this late in the typhoon season." He added that World Rugby had looked "pretty exhaustively" at other options for the games, including switching venues, but "we couldn't guarantee consistent contingency plans across all those games safely for all the teams and fans involved". Seven games were slated for the final weekend of the pool stage, when matches are tightly packed and cannot be rescheduled. Cancelled games are recorded as 0-0 draws, with both teams awarded two points. England and France have already qualified from Pool C, with Eddie Jones's men top of the group, but Pool A hangs in the balance ahead of Japan's final game against Scotland in Yokohama on Sunday. If that game were abandoned, Scotland would be eliminated and Japan would qualify for their first quarter-final as shock group winners, with Ireland runners-up. Australia's game against Georgia on Friday will go ahead, as will Saturday's match between Ireland and Samoa, which is in Fukuoka in Japan's southwest, out of the predicted path of the storm. Hagibis, packing maximum gusts of up to 270 kilometres per hour, is currently projected to batter the Tokyo and Yokohama area on Saturday. The storm "is predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is highly likely to cause considerable disruption... including likely public transport shutdown and disruption", said Gilpin. Japan's Meteorological Agency said Hagibis was currently "a large and violent typhoon" and while it will weaken before hitting the mainland, it will "remain very strong" and have a "significant impact over large areas". Hagibis is currently forecast to clip the southeastern corner of Japan near Tokyo and Yokohama but given its size, the impact will be felt across wide swathes of the country. Formula One organisers also said they were "closely monitoring" the potential impact of Hagibis ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, southwest of Tokyo. In 2014, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi crashed in bad weather conditions caused by a typhoon, and remained in a coma until his death the following July. Many people in Chiba, east of Tokyo, are still recovering from Typhoon Faxai, which struck Japan in early September and caused widespread disruption, leaving two people dead and cutting power to half-a-million homes. Hagibis is taking a similar trajectory to Faxai but is nearly three times bigger in terms of area. Organisers received immediate criticism for the cancellations, with former World Cup winner Francois Pienaar telling Sky Sports: "Everybody has worked so hard. Why, if you work that hard and prepare yourself, let weather influence the outcome of the match? It shouldn't." Simon Learey, a British fan here, said he had flown out for the England-France game after getting the tickets as a birthday present. "Very disappointed, we're only here four days, only to see that game," said Learey.

Two World Cup games axed as super typhoon bears down on Japan

Serie A club&nbsp;Lazio&nbsp;on Tuesday vowed they would try to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;and then&nbsp;take&nbsp;action&nbsp;against&nbsp;fans&nbsp;responsible for&nbsp;racist&nbsp;chants&nbsp;against&nbsp;Rennes in their Europa League match last week.

Lazio&nbsp;has been charged by UEFA&nbsp;over&nbsp;alleged&nbsp;racist&nbsp;behaviour which could result in the Italian club having sections of their stadium closed.

"Lazio&nbsp;will defend its reputation and tradition, the club announces that it has immediately activated the initiatives aimed at identifying those responsible and will rigorously apply the code of ethics to remove those responsible from the stadium," the club said in a statement.&nbsp;

Lazio&nbsp;added that the club would "join any legal&nbsp;action&nbsp;taken&nbsp;against&nbsp;those who, following the investigation with police, are found to be responsible".

Lazio&nbsp;fans&nbsp;also made Fascist salutes during the 2-1 home win&nbsp;over&nbsp;Rennes.

The Serie A played&nbsp;against&nbsp;Rennes with a stand closed as punishment for fascist salutes by&nbsp;fans&nbsp;in a game with Sevilla last season.

UEFA will hand down their verdict on October 17.

Serie A club Lazio on Tuesday vowed they would try to identify and then take action against fans responsible for racist chants against Rennes in their Europa League match last week.

Serie A club Lazio on Tuesday vowed they would try to identify and then take action against fans responsible for racist chants against Rennes in their Europa League match last week. Lazio has been charged by UEFA over alleged racist behaviour which could result in the Italian club having sections of their stadium closed. "Lazio will defend its reputation and tradition, the club announces that it has immediately activated the initiatives aimed at identifying those responsible and will rigorously apply the code of ethics to remove those responsible from the stadium," the club said in a statement. Lazio added that the club would "join any legal action taken against those who, following the investigation with police, are found to be responsible". Lazio fans also made Fascist salutes during the 2-1 home win over Rennes. The Serie A played against Rennes with a stand closed as punishment for fascist salutes by fans in a game with Sevilla last season. UEFA will hand down their verdict on October 17.

Lazio vow to identify, take action against fans over racist chants

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power.

Slashing the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 was a flagship manifesto promise of the anti-establishment <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italys-5-star-makes-deal-with-pd-to-avoid-elections-246334">Five Star Movement</a>, which rules in coalition with the country's center-left, and has promised voters it would tackle political elitism and wasteful spending.

Italy currently has the second-highest number of lawmakers in the EU after Britain -- some 630 elected representatives in the lower house and 315 in the Senate.

The constitutional reform, which will likely be subjected to a popular referendum in the coming months, would cut the number of MPs to 400 and senators to 200 from the next legislature, with an expected saving of some 100 million euros ($110 million) a year.

"It's a well-balanced reform with an excellent profile," legal expert Guido Neppi Modona told Il Fatto Quotidiano on Monday.

A reduced number of lawmakers will "lead parties to take particular care in choosing candidates," he said.

Critics have warned the cut could affect popular representation, and increase the influence of lobbyists over governing institutions -- all for a minimal saving that will have little effect on debt-laden Italy's book balance.

This is the country's eighth attempt to cut its number lawmakers since 1983, according to the Open news website.

This time it is broadly expected to be successful, with most opposition parties on board -- though the head of Italy's far-right League Matteo Salvini on Friday warned his party would wait to see if the law was "mere horse-trading".

Five Star (M5S) made the cut a condition of its alliance with the center-left Democratic Party (PD), following the collapse of the previous, far-right coalition in August.

The PD had previously voted against the reduction, but agreed to support it if it meant clinching a deal with the M5S which would prevent a return to the polls and keep popular hardliner Salvini out of power.

The party has insisted the cut be followed by a new electoral law and is pushing for the reintroduction of a proportional representation system.

Under the current mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, a winning coalition needs more than 40 percent of the vote to have the necessary parliamentary majority.

With full proportional representation, parties or coalitions would need a much bigger majority to form a government.

That would force Salvini to ditch any plans to run alone or with a small fellow far-right party at the next election, and force him instead to turn to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italy party for help, the weekly L'Espresso said.

"Why the haste to cut the seats?" Massimo Luciani said in the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, pointing out that the coalition government -- an unlikely alliance of former foes -- could fall before changes to the electoral law can be made.

"To avoid 'surprises', the package of reforms should be launched at the same time," he said.

Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian Treasury Department, told AFP the pressing need to change the electoral law could serve as glue to hold the coalition together.

He warned however that "I have a feeling that (the electoral law) won't happen very soon".

International markets and European investors watching the stability of the new coalition was right "to worry about everything," he said.

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power.

Italy's parliament votes Tuesday on cutting the number of the country's lawmakers, a move linked to an electoral law reform that the left-leaning government hopes will help keep the far-right from power. Slashing the number of MPs and senators in Italy by 345 was a flagship manifesto promise of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which rules in coalition with the country's center-left, and has promised voters it would tackle political elitism and wasteful spending. Italy currently has the second-highest number of lawmakers in the EU after Britain -- some 630 elected representatives in the lower house and 315 in the Senate. The constitutional reform, which will likely be subjected to a popular referendum in the coming months, would cut the number of MPs to 400 and senators to 200 from the next legislature, with an expected saving of some 100 million euros ($110 million) a year. "It's a well-balanced reform with an excellent profile," legal expert Guido Neppi Modona told Il Fatto Quotidiano on Monday. A reduced number of lawmakers will "lead parties to take particular care in choosing candidates," he said. Critics have warned the cut could affect popular representation, and increase the influence of lobbyists over governing institutions -- all for a minimal saving that will have little effect on debt-laden Italy's book balance. This is the country's eighth attempt to cut its number lawmakers since 1983, according to the Open news website. This time it is broadly expected to be successful, with most opposition parties on board -- though the head of Italy's far-right League Matteo Salvini on Friday warned his party would wait to see if the law was "mere horse-trading". Five Star (M5S) made the cut a condition of its alliance with the center-left Democratic Party (PD), following the collapse of the previous, far-right coalition in August. The PD had previously voted against the reduction, but agreed to support it if it meant clinching a deal with the M5S which would prevent a return to the polls and keep popular hardliner Salvini out of power. The party has insisted the cut be followed by a new electoral law and is pushing for the reintroduction of a proportional representation system. Under the current mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, a winning coalition needs more than 40 percent of the vote to have the necessary parliamentary majority. With full proportional representation, parties or coalitions would need a much bigger majority to form a government. That would force Salvini to ditch any plans to run alone or with a small fellow far-right party at the next election, and force him instead to turn to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italy party for help, the weekly L'Espresso said. "Why the haste to cut the seats?" Massimo Luciani said in the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, pointing out that the coalition government -- an unlikely alliance of former foes -- could fall before changes to the electoral law can be made. "To avoid 'surprises', the package of reforms should be launched at the same time," he said. Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian Treasury Department, told AFP the pressing need to change the electoral law could serve as glue to hold the coalition together. He warned however that "I have a feeling that (the electoral law) won't happen very soon". International markets and European investors watching the stability of the new coalition was right "to worry about everything," he said.

Italy to vote on streamlining parliament

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday&nbsp;amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials.

House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">Mike Pompeo</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-white-house-intervened-after-trump-ukraine-call-252228">Donald Trump</a>.

The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-defends-ukraine-support-after-trump-call-row-252242">Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign</a>&nbsp;for reelection.&nbsp;

"The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said.

"The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote.

The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials. House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President Donald Trump. The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign for reelection. "The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said. "The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote. The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

Pompeo heads to Italy amid reports that he took part in Trump-Zelenskiy phone call

It seems that actor Nicole Kidman is having a great time with her husband and singer Keith Urban during their recent romantic Italian vacation. 
 
The 51-year old singer shared an adorable selfie with his wife on Instagram. In the beautiful snap, the couple is seen relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous scenery.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_1MVAJ4KH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Sunset in Firenze—— ... with my love. - KU</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keithurban/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Keith Urban</a> (@keithurban) on <time datetime="2019-09-29T13:48:29+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 29, 2019 at 6:48am PDT</time>
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In the picture, Kidman is seen standing with one arm around Urban and her other hand on his face while he smiles with both of his eyes closed. 
 
'Sunset in Firenze-&nbsp;.&nbsp;with my love. - KU',&nbsp;Urban captioned the click. Apart from the selfie, Urban also gave a glimpse of their trip by sharing a picture of the sun setting over what People reports to be Florence's, Ponte Vecchio. 
 
The couple, who got hitched in 2006 and are parents to daughters Sunday Rose, 11, and Faith Margaret, 8, aren't shy about using vacation photo opportunities to celebrate their family.&nbsp;

It seems that actor Nicole Kidman is having a great time with her husband and singer Keith Urban during their recent romantic Italian vacation. The 51-year old singer shared an adorable selfie with his wife on Instagram.

It seems that actor Nicole Kidman is having a great time with her husband and singer Keith Urban during their recent romantic Italian vacation. The 51-year old singer shared an adorable selfie with his wife on Instagram. In the beautiful snap, the couple is seen relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. View this post on Instagram Sunset in Firenze—— ... with my love. - KU A post shared by Keith Urban (@keithurban) on Sep 29, 2019 at 6:48am PDT × In the picture, Kidman is seen standing with one arm around Urban and her other hand on his face while he smiles with both of his eyes closed. 'Sunset in Firenze- . with my love. - KU', Urban captioned the click. Apart from the selfie, Urban also gave a glimpse of their trip by sharing a picture of the sun setting over what People reports to be Florence's, Ponte Vecchio. The couple, who got hitched in 2006 and are parents to daughters Sunday Rose, 11, and Faith Margaret, 8, aren't shy about using vacation photo opportunities to celebrate their family.

Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban are spending romantic time in Italy

Italy&nbsp;will&nbsp;cut&nbsp;its&nbsp;target&nbsp;for economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;next year to&nbsp;around&nbsp;0.6 per cent, three&nbsp;sources&nbsp;close to the matter told Reuters on Monday, as the government prepares its&nbsp;2020&nbsp;budget to be presented to parliament later this month.

The previous&nbsp;target, issued in April, envisaged&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 0.8 per cent.&nbsp;Growth&nbsp;this year is now seen at just 0.1 per cent, compared with an April projection of 0.2 per cent.

Under an unchanged policy scenario, the gross domestic product next year would be&nbsp;around&nbsp;0.4 per cent, which will be bolstered slightly by&nbsp;growth-enhancing measures in the budget, said two of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;who asked not to be named.

The new&nbsp;targets, which will form the framework of the budget, must be formally published by Friday.

The budget deficit will be&nbsp;targeted at close to 2.2 per cent of gross domestic product, two of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said, though they added that marginal last-minute changes were possible due to ongoing negotiations with the European Commission.

The 2.2 per cent target&nbsp;pencilled in is more likely to be reduced than raised, they said.

This year's deficit is currently officially&nbsp;targeted at 2.04 per cent, but the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said it would come in somewhat lower.

Brussel's main request is that the so-called "structural" deficit, stripped of the effects of the business cycle and one-off items, should not increase next year, one of the sources said.

The Treasury declined to comment.

Italy will cut its target for economic growth next year to around 0.6 per cent, three sources close to the matter told Reuters on Monday, as the government prepares its 2020 budget to be presented to parliament later this month.

Italy will cut its target for economic growth next year to around 0.6 per cent, three sources close to the matter told Reuters on Monday, as the government prepares its 2020 budget to be presented to parliament later this month. The previous target, issued in April, envisaged growth of 0.8 per cent. Growth this year is now seen at just 0.1 per cent, compared with an April projection of 0.2 per cent. Under an unchanged policy scenario, the gross domestic product next year would be around 0.4 per cent, which will be bolstered slightly by growth-enhancing measures in the budget, said two of the sources who asked not to be named. The new targets, which will form the framework of the budget, must be formally published by Friday. The budget deficit will be targeted at close to 2.2 per cent of gross domestic product, two of the sources said, though they added that marginal last-minute changes were possible due to ongoing negotiations with the European Commission. The 2.2 per cent target pencilled in is more likely to be reduced than raised, they said. This year's deficit is currently officially targeted at 2.04 per cent, but the sources said it would come in somewhat lower. Brussel's main request is that the so-called "structural" deficit, stripped of the effects of the business cycle and one-off items, should not increase next year, one of the sources said. The Treasury declined to comment.

Italy to cut 2020 GDP growth target to around 0.6 per cent: Sources

Italy's new government allowed a French <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charity-ship-seeks-port-for-356-rescued-migrants-in-the-mediterranean-244622">charity ship</a> to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration.

The Ocean Viking, run by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sends-warship-to-pick-up-migrants-off-italys-coast-244491">French charities SOS</a> Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said on Twitter it had received the green light to sail to Lampedusa, six days after it carried out its first rescue off the coast of Libya.

"The Italian authorities have just offered Ocean Viking a place of safety," MSF said. Local officials confirmed the news.

Italy's government formally took office on Tuesday, promising a new approach to migration following the hardline clampdown on rescue ships introduced by the former interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that "several EU countries" had agreed to take in the Africans aboard the Ocean Viking, but did not give further details and did not immediately let Ocean Viking enter Italian waters.

"We needed a bit of time, but Ocean Viking has finally been assigned a safe port. Small signs of discontinuity," said Matteo Orfini, a senior member of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) which has replaced the League within the ruling coalition.

Salvini's tough line on immigration fuelled the popularity of his League party, which pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star Movement last month in a vain attempt to trigger new elections.

During his 14 months at the interior ministry, he introduced new security decrees barring rescue ships from entering Italian waters, saying Italy had borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe.

Ships that defied the decrees risked being impounded and were threatened with fines of up to a million euros ($1.1 million).

Italy's new government allowed a French charity ship to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration.

Italy's new government allowed a French charity ship to head to the island of Lampedusa on Saturday and bring ashore some 82 migrants, reversing the uncompromising, closed-door policy of the previous administration. The Ocean Viking, run by French charities SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said on Twitter it had received the green light to sail to Lampedusa, six days after it carried out its first rescue off the coast of Libya. "The Italian authorities have just offered Ocean Viking a place of safety," MSF said. Local officials confirmed the news. Italy's government formally took office on Tuesday, promising a new approach to migration following the hardline clampdown on rescue ships introduced by the former interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday that "several EU countries" had agreed to take in the Africans aboard the Ocean Viking, but did not give further details and did not immediately let Ocean Viking enter Italian waters. "We needed a bit of time, but Ocean Viking has finally been assigned a safe port. Small signs of discontinuity," said Matteo Orfini, a senior member of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) which has replaced the League within the ruling coalition. Salvini's tough line on immigration fuelled the popularity of his League party, which pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star Movement last month in a vain attempt to trigger new elections. During his 14 months at the interior ministry, he introduced new security decrees barring rescue ships from entering Italian waters, saying Italy had borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Ships that defied the decrees risked being impounded and were threatened with fines of up to a million euros ($1.1 million).

In break with past, Rome lets charity ship head to Italian port

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 12th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 11th, 2019

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=http://www.wionews.com/sitemap-2019-feb.xml&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie4ZP90r7kAhU76XMBHVeTCDcQFjAAegQIBxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2J02jDSfBGEJhKYGAAP3ui">Italy</a> has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday.

Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian. The Imam is from the city of Teramo in the central region of Abruzzo. &nbsp;

The suspects are alleged to have "created many false accounts, through various companies to set aside large sums of money," the prosecutor’s office in Aquila said.

The money was used to finance activities related to the radical Al-Nusra organisation, the former Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, it said.

Part of the money was also intended for imams in Italy, &nbsp;"including one convicted for association with a group linked to international terrorism".

An Italian accountant is also among the 10 suspects, whose property, money and real estate, said to be worth more than one million euros (over $1.1 million), were seized, the statement said.

Italy has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday. Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian.

Italy has issued arrest warrants for 10 people, including an imam, suspected of financing terrorism, prosecutors said Saturday. Eight of the suspects are of Tunisian origin and two are Italian. The Imam is from the city of Teramo in the central region of Abruzzo. The suspects are alleged to have "created many false accounts, through various companies to set aside large sums of money," the prosecutor’s office in Aquila said. The money was used to finance activities related to the radical Al-Nusra organisation, the former Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, it said. Part of the money was also intended for imams in Italy, "including one convicted for association with a group linked to international terrorism". An Italian accountant is also among the 10 suspects, whose property, money and real estate, said to be worth more than one million euros (over $1.1 million), were seized, the statement said.

Italy seeks 10, including Imam, on terror finance charges

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku, who was subjected to racist abuse by Cagliari supporters on Sunday, said that Italian football must combat racism in stadiums if it wants to attract the world's top players to Serie A.

The Belgian forward, playing only his second game in Italy after a move from Manchester United, was greeted with monkey chants by fans behind the goal when he stepped up to take a penalty which he converted in Inter's 2-1 win.

Lukaku told the Italian edition of Rolling Stone magazine that he wanted to concentrate on helping his team win.

However, when he was asked if players should walk off the pitch in the case of racist abuse, he appeared to agree.

"Yes, I think you have to leave a statement, of course, because it’s something we need to address," he said.

He said that there had also been issues in England recently, adding: "Football is international, football is multicultural, so if you really want to field the best players in the world, you have to make sure you receive them with open arms because they’re also willing to adapt to the culture.

"I think it’s really important not to discriminate and just appreciate the presence they bring into the country."

Lukaku said in an Instagram post on Monday that football was going backwards in the fight against racism.

In response, the Curva Nord group of hardcore Inter fans posted a messaged on Facebook which claimed that the Cagliari supporters' behaviour was not racist.

"We are really sorry you thought that what happened in Cagliari was racist," said the group, which has no official connection to Inter.

"You have to understand that Italy is not like many other north European countries where racism is a REAL problem. We understand that it could have seemed racist to you, but it is not like that.

"In Italy we use some 'ways' only to 'help our teams' and to try to make our opponents nervous, not for racism but to mess them up."

In response, former Senegal forward Demba Ba said that black players should boycott Serie A.

"And here's the reason why I decided not to play there when I could," he said, retweeting the statement. "And at that point I wish all the black players would get out of this league!"

"It won't stop their stupidity and hate but at least they won't affect other races."

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku, who was subjected to racist abuse by Cagliari supporters on Sunday, said that Italian football must combat racism in stadiums if it wants to attract the world's top players to Serie A.

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku, who was subjected to racist abuse by Cagliari supporters on Sunday, said that Italian football must combat racism in stadiums if it wants to attract the world's top players to Serie A. The Belgian forward, playing only his second game in Italy after a move from Manchester United, was greeted with monkey chants by fans behind the goal when he stepped up to take a penalty which he converted in Inter's 2-1 win. Lukaku told the Italian edition of Rolling Stone magazine that he wanted to concentrate on helping his team win. However, when he was asked if players should walk off the pitch in the case of racist abuse, he appeared to agree. "Yes, I think you have to leave a statement, of course, because it’s something we need to address," he said. He said that there had also been issues in England recently, adding: "Football is international, football is multicultural, so if you really want to field the best players in the world, you have to make sure you receive them with open arms because they’re also willing to adapt to the culture. "I think it’s really important not to discriminate and just appreciate the presence they bring into the country." Lukaku said in an Instagram post on Monday that football was going backwards in the fight against racism. In response, the Curva Nord group of hardcore Inter fans posted a messaged on Facebook which claimed that the Cagliari supporters' behaviour was not racist. "We are really sorry you thought that what happened in Cagliari was racist," said the group, which has no official connection to Inter. "You have to understand that Italy is not like many other north European countries where racism is a REAL problem. We understand that it could have seemed racist to you, but it is not like that. "In Italy we use some 'ways' only to 'help our teams' and to try to make our opponents nervous, not for racism but to mess them up." In response, former Senegal forward Demba Ba said that black players should boycott Serie A. "And here's the reason why I decided not to play there when I could," he said, retweeting the statement. "And at that point I wish all the black players would get out of this league!" "It won't stop their stupidity and hate but at least they won't affect other races."

Italy needs to fight racism to attract top players, says Romelu Lukaku

Italy's head of state is set to sign off on a new government on Wednesday after two rival political parties agreed an unlikely coalition that is expected to improve ties with the European Union and adopt a softer stance on immigration.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who led the outgoing administration, is expected to unveil his new cabinet lineup and seek a new mandate from President Sergio Mattarella as early as Wednesday morning.

The alliance between the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), formerly sworn enemies, followed a month of political upheaval triggered by the sudden collapse of the previous ruling alliance.

The far-right League party of outgoing Interior Minister Matteo Salvini pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star party, declaring it unworkable and calling for early elections in the hope that Salvini could return to power a prime minister.

Salvini's gambit backfired badly, ushering in a new alliance that is expected to soften his confrontational stance on EU budget rules, which he blamed for Italy's weak economy, and his crackdown on migrants arriving by boat from Africa.

Once Mattarella agrees to Conte's cabinet, the prime minister will then have to win confidence votes in both houses of parliament before the government can officially start work.

5-Star and PD unveiled on Tuesday a shared, 26-point policy programme for their mooted coalition, putting an expansionary 2020 budget at the top of their agenda but pleasing markets with a pledge draft a budget that would not endanger public finances.

The coalition cleared its final hurdle on Tuesday night when members of 5-Star approved the marriage in an online vote.

The key post of economy minister may go to the PD's Roberto Gualtieri, now head of the European Parliament's economic affairs commission, or to Dario Scannapieco, a former Treasury official who is vice president of the European Investment Bank, 5-Star and PD sources said.

Another name being considered for the job is former Bank of Italy Deputy Governor Salvatore Rossi, the sources said.

5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio, who served as deputy prime minister, industry minister and labour minister in the previous administration, may become foreign minister in the new government, the sources added.

PD's president and former prime minister Paolo Gentiloni could be named as EU commissioner.

Italy's head of state is set to sign off on a new government on Wednesday after two rival political parties agreed an unlikely coalition that is expected to improve ties with the European Union and adopt a softer stance on immigration.

Italy's head of state is set to sign off on a new government on Wednesday after two rival political parties agreed an unlikely coalition that is expected to improve ties with the European Union and adopt a softer stance on immigration. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who led the outgoing administration, is expected to unveil his new cabinet lineup and seek a new mandate from President Sergio Mattarella as early as Wednesday morning. The alliance between the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), formerly sworn enemies, followed a month of political upheaval triggered by the sudden collapse of the previous ruling alliance. The far-right League party of outgoing Interior Minister Matteo Salvini pulled out of its coalition with the 5-Star party, declaring it unworkable and calling for early elections in the hope that Salvini could return to power a prime minister. Salvini's gambit backfired badly, ushering in a new alliance that is expected to soften his confrontational stance on EU budget rules, which he blamed for Italy's weak economy, and his crackdown on migrants arriving by boat from Africa. Once Mattarella agrees to Conte's cabinet, the prime minister will then have to win confidence votes in both houses of parliament before the government can officially start work. 5-Star and PD unveiled on Tuesday a shared, 26-point policy programme for their mooted coalition, putting an expansionary 2020 budget at the top of their agenda but pleasing markets with a pledge draft a budget that would not endanger public finances. The coalition cleared its final hurdle on Tuesday night when members of 5-Star approved the marriage in an online vote. The key post of economy minister may go to the PD's Roberto Gualtieri, now head of the European Parliament's economic affairs commission, or to Dario Scannapieco, a former Treasury official who is vice president of the European Investment Bank, 5-Star and PD sources said. Another name being considered for the job is former Bank of Italy Deputy Governor Salvatore Rossi, the sources said. 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio, who served as deputy prime minister, industry minister and labour minister in the previous administration, may become foreign minister in the new government, the sources added. PD's president and former prime minister Paolo Gentiloni could be named as EU commissioner.

Italian PM to set seal on new government, unveil new cabinet

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