Swiss Skier hospitalized after horror crash at Skiing World Cup

Exclusive: EX-Italy PM Enrico Letta speaks to WION

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies.

Speaking exclusively to WION in New Delhi, Letta said that the underlying message in all his contacts with India was that the independence of the judiciary has to be respected.

The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before Letta's inauguration as Italy's prime minister.

At the time, Letta said he also had to deal with the fallout of the "Enrica Lexie" case, involving the arrest of two Italian navy personnel who were jailed for the killing of two Indian fishermen.&nbsp;

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before your government came to power. What kind of interactions did you or your ministers have with the Indian counterparts on the AgustaWestland helicopter scam?

Enrico Letta: It was simple and clear. We respect the independence of judges. They have an independent way. And the decision at the end of it all was a positive one. I am happy that we respected the decision. But it was a big problem for Italian competitiveness. The Italian companies lost a lot from this situation. But at the end of the day, respect for the independence of the judiciary is the best way. That is why I dealt it with this mood. With my Indian counterparts, it was a very clean approach and a very constructive one at that at the end, the decision was best for all, especially Italy and India and the competitiveness of both countries.

WION: India cancelled the AgustaWestland helicopter contract in January 2014. At the time, you were the prime minister of Italy. Do you recall any conversation you or your ministers might have had with the Indian government or agencies about the scam?

Enrico Letta: No, because it happened at the end of my period.

WION: But India cancelled the contract in January and you demitted office in February. So you were the head of the government at the time...

Enrico Letta: But the key point is that I always said in all contacts with the Indian authorities that we think the independence of justice is fundamental and it has to be preserved, even if there was the other case involving the Italian marines. India and Italy are two big powers. We have to cooperate. We have to work together. I always tried to give that idea. The bilateral cooperation has to continue because we are two big countries. I hope now the situation is better. I hope that in future the cooperation will grow. I am sure that these words can help.

WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam is one of the many scams bedevilling the Indian polity. There is a need for closure in this scam. What kind of cooperation or collaboration does Italy envisage to help bring closure to India?

Enrico Letta: We cannot consider that this is the only topic of the India-Italy relationship. India and Italy are members of G20. They are two important countries, especially when it comes to manufacturing and cultural prowess. I hope that my visit will contribute to the ties.

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies.

Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, on whose watch India cancelled the scam-tainted AgustaWestland helicopter deal, said that the defence scandal hurt the competitiveness of Italian companies. Speaking exclusively to WION in New Delhi, Letta said that the underlying message in all his contacts with India was that the independence of the judiciary has to be respected. The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before Letta's inauguration as Italy's prime minister. At the time, Letta said he also had to deal with the fallout of the "Enrica Lexie" case, involving the arrest of two Italian navy personnel who were jailed for the killing of two Indian fishermen. Here are the excerpts from the interview: WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam came to light a few weeks before your government came to power. What kind of interactions did you or your ministers have with the Indian counterparts on the AgustaWestland helicopter scam? Enrico Letta: It was simple and clear. We respect the independence of judges. They have an independent way. And the decision at the end of it all was a positive one. I am happy that we respected the decision. But it was a big problem for Italian competitiveness. The Italian companies lost a lot from this situation. But at the end of the day, respect for the independence of the judiciary is the best way. That is why I dealt it with this mood. With my Indian counterparts, it was a very clean approach and a very constructive one at that at the end, the decision was best for all, especially Italy and India and the competitiveness of both countries. WION: India cancelled the AgustaWestland helicopter contract in January 2014. At the time, you were the prime minister of Italy. Do you recall any conversation you or your ministers might have had with the Indian government or agencies about the scam? Enrico Letta: No, because it happened at the end of my period. WION: But India cancelled the contract in January and you demitted office in February. So you were the head of the government at the time... Enrico Letta: But the key point is that I always said in all contacts with the Indian authorities that we think the independence of justice is fundamental and it has to be preserved, even if there was the other case involving the Italian marines. India and Italy are two big powers. We have to cooperate. We have to work together. I always tried to give that idea. The bilateral cooperation has to continue because we are two big countries. I hope now the situation is better. I hope that in future the cooperation will grow. I am sure that these words can help. WION: The AgustaWestland helicopter scam is one of the many scams bedevilling the Indian polity. There is a need for closure in this scam. What kind of cooperation or collaboration does Italy envisage to help bring closure to India? Enrico Letta: We cannot consider that this is the only topic of the India-Italy relationship. India and Italy are members of G20. They are two important countries, especially when it comes to manufacturing and cultural prowess. I hope that my visit will contribute to the ties.

AgustaWestland scam hurt competitiveness of Italian companies: Ex-PM Letta to WION

Wion Exclusive: In conversation with Enrico Letta, Former PM, Italy

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday vowed to protect the interests of the citizens of the country while voicing his dissent against same-sex marriages.

Addressing a gathering of 50,000 people at a mass rally in the Italian capital, Salvini said that the current government would complete its five-year team without any obstacles, while promising policies that would be "Italians first", CNN reported.

The public meeting was being held to celebrate six months in power of Italy's coalition government, where Salvini's Northern League party forged an alliance with the Five Star Movement party.

Denouncing same-sex marriages, which is illegal in Italy, Salvini, who also holds the post of the Interior Minister, vowed a return of the country's traditional roots.

He said: "We will be judged by the number of cribs we fill, with babies born not to parent one or parent two but to a mother and a father."

The far-right leader also took a jibe on the European regulations on the so-called 'Made in Italy'&nbsp;products, saying: "We need a new European Union (EU) based on respect, work and progress."

The Mediterranean nation is in a deadlock with the European Commission over its proposed budget, with the bloc saying that the budget does not respect the fiscal rules on its member states.&nbsp;

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday vowed to protect the interests of the citizens of the country while voicing his dissent against same-sex marriages.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Saturday vowed to protect the interests of the citizens of the country while voicing his dissent against same-sex marriages. Addressing a gathering of 50,000 people at a mass rally in the Italian capital, Salvini said that the current government would complete its five-year team without any obstacles, while promising policies that would be "Italians first", CNN reported. The public meeting was being held to celebrate six months in power of Italy's coalition government, where Salvini's Northern League party forged an alliance with the Five Star Movement party. Denouncing same-sex marriages, which is illegal in Italy, Salvini, who also holds the post of the Interior Minister, vowed a return of the country's traditional roots. He said: "We will be judged by the number of cribs we fill, with babies born not to parent one or parent two but to a mother and a father." The far-right leader also took a jibe on the European regulations on the so-called 'Made in Italy' products, saying: "We need a new European Union (EU) based on respect, work and progress." The Mediterranean nation is in a deadlock with the European Commission over its proposed budget, with the bloc saying that the budget does not respect the fiscal rules on its member states.

Italy Dy PM stages mass rally, promises 'Italians first' policies

Stampede in Italian nightclub; 6 killed

Defending European champions <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Real+Madrid">Real Madrid</a> will be clashing against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Roma">Roma</a> on November 27 at the Olimpico Stadium in the Italian capital. Real have a chance to take control of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Champions+League">Champions League</a> Group G if they beat Roma.

Ahead of Tuesday's big clash Real defender Daniel Carvajal said that it will be a tough match and they will have to prove themselves tomorrow by keeping a cool head and managing the game.

"Tomorrow will be a tough match, one more battle for us. We want to finish first in the group, so we have to prove that tomorrow. It's clear we have to 'grow a pair' like the coach said, but it is also about keeping a cool head and managing a game, I think it's the combination of all those things that allow you to win," said Daniel Carvajal.

Santiago Solari's men are under pressure once again this season following a 3-0 defeat at Eibar in the Spanish league on November 24.

"It was a tough loss obviously, but the match against Eibar is in the past now," said the head coach, who put Madrid back on track after taking over from Julen Lopetegui, clinching four consecutive wins as an interim coach.

Meanwhile, Real coach defended Sergio Ramos, saying he is an honest man and a symbol for the whole sporting world in Spain.&nbsp;

"Sergio Ramos is, first of all, an honest man, he is a symbol for not just Real Madrid or Spanish football, but for the whole sporting world in Spain. It seems to me it should be everybody's duty to protect him, and it is the media's duty as well to do so. Journalism is there for us to seek the truth and inform on the truth. Then you have opinions, positions, but the truth is not debatable, especially when a person's honour is stained," he said.

Madrid head into Tuesday's game tied with Roma at the top of UCL Group G with nine points from four matches.

A win in Italy will secure first place for the three-time defending champions.

Defending European champions Real Madrid will be clashing against Roma on November 27 at the Olimpico Stadium in the Italian capital. Real have a chance to take control of Champions League Group G if they beat Roma.

Defending European champions Real Madrid will be clashing against Roma on November 27 at the Olimpico Stadium in the Italian capital. Real have a chance to take control of Champions League Group G if they beat Roma. Ahead of Tuesday's big clash Real defender Daniel Carvajal said that it will be a tough match and they will have to prove themselves tomorrow by keeping a cool head and managing the game. "Tomorrow will be a tough match, one more battle for us. We want to finish first in the group, so we have to prove that tomorrow. It's clear we have to 'grow a pair' like the coach said, but it is also about keeping a cool head and managing a game, I think it's the combination of all those things that allow you to win," said Daniel Carvajal. Santiago Solari's men are under pressure once again this season following a 3-0 defeat at Eibar in the Spanish league on November 24. "It was a tough loss obviously, but the match against Eibar is in the past now," said the head coach, who put Madrid back on track after taking over from Julen Lopetegui, clinching four consecutive wins as an interim coach. Meanwhile, Real coach defended Sergio Ramos, saying he is an honest man and a symbol for the whole sporting world in Spain. "Sergio Ramos is, first of all, an honest man, he is a symbol for not just Real Madrid or Spanish football, but for the whole sporting world in Spain. It seems to me it should be everybody's duty to protect him, and it is the media's duty as well to do so. Journalism is there for us to seek the truth and inform on the truth. Then you have opinions, positions, but the truth is not debatable, especially when a person's honour is stained," he said. Madrid head into Tuesday's game tied with Roma at the top of UCL Group G with nine points from four matches. A win in Italy will secure first place for the three-time defending champions.

Real Madrid need to 'grow a pair', says defender Daniel Carvajal

Juventus moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A with a 2-0 win over SPAL on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo's strike made him the league's joint-top scorer.

Goals either side of the break from the Portugal international and Mario Mandzukic earned Juve their 12th win of an unbeaten start to the league season, with Ronaldo joining Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek on nine goals.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have now collected 37 points from a possible 39 and hold a significant lead over second-placed Napoli on 28 points ahead of their game against Chievo on Sunday.

Juventus appeared to have taken the lead after just 10 minutes when SPAL defender Felipe deflected a cross into his own net, but the effort was disallowed after Mandzukic was penalised for encroaching in the penalty box as Alfred Gomis took his goal kick in the build-up.

After half an hour, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a controlled left-footed finish into the corner from Miralem Pjanic’s free kick, becoming the first player since Pietro Anastasi in 1968-69 to reach nine goals in 13 games for the club.

Juventus, one of three teams in Europe’s top five leagues to have scored in every league game this season along with Barcelona and Paris St Germain, doubled their lead on the hour mark shortly after Douglas Costa had rattled the post from a tight angle.

Costa’s powerful shot was parried by Gomis into the path of Mandzukic, who tapped in from close range on the night that he captained Juventus from the start for the first time.

Ronaldo threatened to add a second, forcing Gomis into a smart save from distance before shooting wide from a promising position as Juventus strolled to a comfortable victory.

In the early kickoff, Davide Nicola masterminded a 1-0 win over AS Roma on his debut as Udinese coach, ending a 10-match losing run for his new club in the fixture.

Rodrigo De Paul scored the only goal of the game early in the second half to move Udinese above Bologna into 16th place on 12 points, while Roma remained on 19 points in seventh.

Juventus moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A with a 2-0 win over SPAL on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo's strike made him the league's joint-top scorer.

Juventus moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A with a 2-0 win over SPAL on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo's strike made him the league's joint-top scorer. Goals either side of the break from the Portugal international and Mario Mandzukic earned Juve their 12th win of an unbeaten start to the league season, with Ronaldo joining Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek on nine goals. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have now collected 37 points from a possible 39 and hold a significant lead over second-placed Napoli on 28 points ahead of their game against Chievo on Sunday. Juventus appeared to have taken the lead after just 10 minutes when SPAL defender Felipe deflected a cross into his own net, but the effort was disallowed after Mandzukic was penalised for encroaching in the penalty box as Alfred Gomis took his goal kick in the build-up. After half an hour, Ronaldo opened the scoring with a controlled left-footed finish into the corner from Miralem Pjanic’s free kick, becoming the first player since Pietro Anastasi in 1968-69 to reach nine goals in 13 games for the club. Juventus, one of three teams in Europe’s top five leagues to have scored in every league game this season along with Barcelona and Paris St Germain, doubled their lead on the hour mark shortly after Douglas Costa had rattled the post from a tight angle. Costa’s powerful shot was parried by Gomis into the path of Mandzukic, who tapped in from close range on the night that he captained Juventus from the start for the first time. Ronaldo threatened to add a second, forcing Gomis into a smart save from distance before shooting wide from a promising position as Juventus strolled to a comfortable victory. In the early kickoff, Davide Nicola masterminded a 1-0 win over AS Roma on his debut as Udinese coach, ending a 10-match losing run for his new club in the fixture. Rodrigo De Paul scored the only goal of the game early in the second half to move Udinese above Bologna into 16th place on 12 points, while Roma remained on 19 points in seventh.

Ronaldo strikes again as Juventus brush SPAL aside

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists.

Police and residents said men armed with AK-47 rifles seized the 23-year-old from a guesthouse in Chakama, a small town south of the border with Somalia and near the coast Police said no group had claimed responsibility.

The Italian charity the woman was working for, Africa Milele, posted a short message on its website saying: "There are no words to comment on what is happening. Silvia, we are all with you." The group says it helps orphaned children.

Tourism is vital for Kenya`s economy but it suffered in the early part of the decade because of a series of abductions and attacks blamed on Somali militant group al Shabaab that culminated in a raid on a shopping mall in Nairobi in 2013 in which more than 60 people were killed.

The industry has since recovered and authorities say they have taken steps to thwart fresh attacks.&nbsp;

Two witnesses told Reuters they heard the gunmen speaking Somali. "There were three attackers and they targeted the Italian lady," said Chad Joshua Kazungu.

Ronald Kazungu, who helped the Italian volunteer by documenting her work through photography, said the gunmen made it clear she was their target.

Six of them followed her to her room at a guesthouse where she was staying and Kazungu failed in his attempt to protect her after one gunman, who was holding the volunteer by her throat, hit him with a club when he tried to intervene.&nbsp;

The attackers opened fire as they left, hitting two children, two teenagers and a man. One of the children, 10-year-old boy, was shot in the eye and a 12-year-old was hit in the thigh, police said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday a police helicopter circled over the green and yellow guesthouse.&nbsp;

"SMALL SHAKE-UP"

Tour operators said the attack would have only a limited impact on the sector.

"The European market might have a small shake-up but Malindi is 500 km from Nairobi so I don`t expect the safari industry to be affected," said Robert Katithi, sales director from Go Kenya Tours and Safaris.&nbsp;

Chakama in Kilifi region is 60 km (40 miles) inland from the coastal resort of Malindi. In 2011 and 2012 there were a series of abductions by al Shabaab, a group linked to al Qaeda, closer to the border with Somalia.

Gunmen grabbed a wheelchair-bound French woman from her home on the northern island of Manda in 2011 weeks after pirates killed a British man and kidnapped his wife from another resort island. The French woman died while she was still being held, while the English woman was released after a ransom was paid.

At the time, the government blamed al Shabaab, which has launched attacks inside Kenya in retaliation for its military interventions in Somalia. The militants denied responsibility.

Armed men kidnapped four aid workers and killed a driver at Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp in 2012.

The Italian foreign ministry said it was looking into reports of Wednesday`s attack.

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists.

Gunmen kidnapped an Italian volunteer and shot and wounded four people in Kenya late on Tuesday in an attack that has sparked fears of an upsurge in activity by militant Islamists. Police and residents said men armed with AK-47 rifles seized the 23-year-old from a guesthouse in Chakama, a small town south of the border with Somalia and near the coast Police said no group had claimed responsibility. The Italian charity the woman was working for, Africa Milele, posted a short message on its website saying: "There are no words to comment on what is happening. Silvia, we are all with you." The group says it helps orphaned children. Tourism is vital for Kenya`s economy but it suffered in the early part of the decade because of a series of abductions and attacks blamed on Somali militant group al Shabaab that culminated in a raid on a shopping mall in Nairobi in 2013 in which more than 60 people were killed. The industry has since recovered and authorities say they have taken steps to thwart fresh attacks. Two witnesses told Reuters they heard the gunmen speaking Somali. "There were three attackers and they targeted the Italian lady," said Chad Joshua Kazungu. Ronald Kazungu, who helped the Italian volunteer by documenting her work through photography, said the gunmen made it clear she was their target. Six of them followed her to her room at a guesthouse where she was staying and Kazungu failed in his attempt to protect her after one gunman, who was holding the volunteer by her throat, hit him with a club when he tried to intervene. The attackers opened fire as they left, hitting two children, two teenagers and a man. One of the children, 10-year-old boy, was shot in the eye and a 12-year-old was hit in the thigh, police said. On Wednesday a police helicopter circled over the green and yellow guesthouse. "SMALL SHAKE-UP" Tour operators said the attack would have only a limited impact on the sector. "The European market might have a small shake-up but Malindi is 500 km from Nairobi so I don`t expect the safari industry to be affected," said Robert Katithi, sales director from Go Kenya Tours and Safaris. Chakama in Kilifi region is 60 km (40 miles) inland from the coastal resort of Malindi. In 2011 and 2012 there were a series of abductions by al Shabaab, a group linked to al Qaeda, closer to the border with Somalia. Gunmen grabbed a wheelchair-bound French woman from her home on the northern island of Manda in 2011 weeks after pirates killed a British man and kidnapped his wife from another resort island. The French woman died while she was still being held, while the English woman was released after a ransom was paid. At the time, the government blamed al Shabaab, which has launched attacks inside Kenya in retaliation for its military interventions in Somalia. The militants denied responsibility. Armed men kidnapped four aid workers and killed a driver at Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp in 2012. The Italian foreign ministry said it was looking into reports of Wednesday`s attack.

Gunmen kidnap Italian volunteer and shoot children near Kenya's coast

Brussels officially rejected Italy's big-spending budget on Wednesday, clearing the path for unprecedented sanctions and deepening a bitter row with Rome's populist government. &nbsp;

The conclusion by the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, was harsh but expected, coming just weeks after it had sent back Italy's 2019 budget, in a historic first for the bloc.

Italy refused to back down after the Brussels ultimatum, setting the stage for Wednesday's final opinion that deplored "a marked backtracking" by Rome on past reforms.

"With what the Italian government has put on the table, we see a risk of the country sleepwalking into instability," Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told a press conference in Brussels.

"We conclude that the opening of a debt-based excessive deficit procedure is... warranted," he added, referring to the EU's official process to punish member states for over-spending.

The coalition government made up of Salvini's League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), insists the budget will help kickstart growth in the eurozone's third largest economy and reduce debt.

But the EU says the Italian budget abandons belt-tightening for a spending spree that includes a basic monthly income for the unemployed and a pension boost.

With its opinion, EU member states now have two weeks to decide whether to allow the commission to trigger the excessive deficit procedure, a months-long process that could lead to fines.

Once activated, the process allows Rome the opportunity to negotiate and correct its ways before Brussels can inflict a sanction of up to 0.2 per cent of Italy's GDP.

Few in Europe expect that Italy's populist coalition will concede on the matter, at least until European elections next May, where the government hopes to ride a wave of anti-EU sentiment.

"Has the EU letter arrived? I am also waiting for Santa Claus," said the far-right deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, adding: "We will respond to the EU in an educated way."

Eyes on markets

All eyes now are on the markets, which could raise the pressure on Rome to kowtow to Brussels,and even split the ruling coalition in Italy.

"While the government's stance may be tenable in the short and medium-term, it will only be sustainable if market conditions don't deteriorate significantly," said Mujtaba Rahman, a political analyst at Eurasia Group.

The closely-watched "spread" -- the difference between yields on 10-year Italian government debt compared with those in benchmark Germany -- reached 316 basis points Wednesday, down from 326 late on Tuesday.

It has more than doubled since May when negotiations to form the coalition government in Rome began, but is lower than the roughly 400 mark that Italy argues is the danger zone.

In its budget, Italy intends to run a public deficit of 2.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2019 -- three times the target of the government's centre-left predecessor -- and one of 2.1 per cent in 2020.

Brussels forecasts Italy's deficit will reach 2.9 per cent of GDP in 2019 and hit 3.1 per cent in 2020 -- breaching the EU's 3.0 per cent limit.

But Italy's big spending boost received a vouch of support from the OECD, the Paris-based organisation of developed countries.

"Does (the draft budget) question the sustainability of debt today? We don't think so. It is stabilising at its level," &nbsp;OECD chief economist Laurence Boone said.

"Obviously, there should not be a shock to growth, but for the time being (the debt) is stabilising."

Brussels officially rejected Italy's big-spending budget on Wednesday, clearing the path for unprecedented sanctions and deepening a bitter row with Rome's populist government.

Brussels officially rejected Italy's big-spending budget on Wednesday, clearing the path for unprecedented sanctions and deepening a bitter row with Rome's populist government. The conclusion by the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, was harsh but expected, coming just weeks after it had sent back Italy's 2019 budget, in a historic first for the bloc. Italy refused to back down after the Brussels ultimatum, setting the stage for Wednesday's final opinion that deplored "a marked backtracking" by Rome on past reforms. "With what the Italian government has put on the table, we see a risk of the country sleepwalking into instability," Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis told a press conference in Brussels. "We conclude that the opening of a debt-based excessive deficit procedure is... warranted," he added, referring to the EU's official process to punish member states for over-spending. The coalition government made up of Salvini's League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), insists the budget will help kickstart growth in the eurozone's third largest economy and reduce debt. But the EU says the Italian budget abandons belt-tightening for a spending spree that includes a basic monthly income for the unemployed and a pension boost. With its opinion, EU member states now have two weeks to decide whether to allow the commission to trigger the excessive deficit procedure, a months-long process that could lead to fines. Once activated, the process allows Rome the opportunity to negotiate and correct its ways before Brussels can inflict a sanction of up to 0.2 per cent of Italy's GDP. Few in Europe expect that Italy's populist coalition will concede on the matter, at least until European elections next May, where the government hopes to ride a wave of anti-EU sentiment. "Has the EU letter arrived? I am also waiting for Santa Claus," said the far-right deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, adding: "We will respond to the EU in an educated way." Eyes on markets All eyes now are on the markets, which could raise the pressure on Rome to kowtow to Brussels,and even split the ruling coalition in Italy. "While the government's stance may be tenable in the short and medium-term, it will only be sustainable if market conditions don't deteriorate significantly," said Mujtaba Rahman, a political analyst at Eurasia Group. The closely-watched "spread" -- the difference between yields on 10-year Italian government debt compared with those in benchmark Germany -- reached 316 basis points Wednesday, down from 326 late on Tuesday. It has more than doubled since May when negotiations to form the coalition government in Rome began, but is lower than the roughly 400 mark that Italy argues is the danger zone. In its budget, Italy intends to run a public deficit of 2.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2019 -- three times the target of the government's centre-left predecessor -- and one of 2.1 per cent in 2020. Brussels forecasts Italy's deficit will reach 2.9 per cent of GDP in 2019 and hit 3.1 per cent in 2020 -- breaching the EU's 3.0 per cent limit. But Italy's big spending boost received a vouch of support from the OECD, the Paris-based organisation of developed countries. "Does (the draft budget) question the sustainability of debt today? We don't think so. It is stabilising at its level," OECD chief economist Laurence Boone said. "Obviously, there should not be a shock to growth, but for the time being (the debt) is stabilising."

Brussels rejects Italy budget, paves way for sanctions

Italian magistrates on Tuesday accused the Doctors without Borders (MSF) charity of illegally dumping toxic waste at ports in southern Italy in what MSF said was an attempt to halt migrant rescue efforts by other means.

Magistrates ordered the MSF-operated ship Aquarius, which has saved thousands of migrants since 2016, to be impounded but the charity denied any wrongdoing and accused Italy of seeking to criminalise humanitarian search and rescue missions.

The Aquarius has been blocked at the French port of Marseilles since September, after failing to find a country willing to register its trips to the southern Mediterranean.

It was not immediately clear if French authorities would impound the ship.

The public prosecutor's office in Catania, Sicily, said it believed crew on the Aquarius, and its sister ship VOS Prudence, had illegally dumped potentially dangerous medical waste among ordinary rubbish between January, 2017 and May, 2018.

It said in a statement 24,000 kg (52,900 lb) of suspect waste, including potentially hazardous medical matter, was handed over to local authorities at 11 ports in Italy.

By failing to declare possibly dangerous materials, the ships' operators avoided about 460,000 euros (US $526,000) of waste disposal costs, prosecutors said. They ordered that this sum be immediately frozen in the accounts of the charities.

Some 24 people, including two Italian shipping agents, have been placed under preliminary investigation in the case, prosecutors said.

MSF and SOS Mediterranee, which works alongside MSF, said they had always followed standard procedures when disposing of waste after trips looking for migrants off the coast of Libya.

"This is an extreme, worrying effort to stop at all costs our search and rescue activity in the sea," Karline Kleijer, head of emergencies at MSF, said in a statement.

The SOS Mediterranee charity called on France to "show restraint" in the face of the Italian investigation.

The Italian government has led a crackdown against Mediterranean rescue ships since taking office in June, denying them access to local ports following the arrival of almost 650,000 people from North Africa since 2014.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League party, welcomed Tuesday's move by Catania magistrates.

"I did well to block the NGO ships. I stopped not only the traffic of illegal immigrants but, from what it seems, also that of toxic waste," he added.

Italian magistrates on Tuesday accused the Doctors without Borders (MSF) charity of illegally dumping toxic waste at ports in southern Italy in what MSF said was an attempt to halt migrant rescue efforts by other means.

Italian magistrates on Tuesday accused the Doctors without Borders (MSF) charity of illegally dumping toxic waste at ports in southern Italy in what MSF said was an attempt to halt migrant rescue efforts by other means. Magistrates ordered the MSF-operated ship Aquarius, which has saved thousands of migrants since 2016, to be impounded but the charity denied any wrongdoing and accused Italy of seeking to criminalise humanitarian search and rescue missions. The Aquarius has been blocked at the French port of Marseilles since September, after failing to find a country willing to register its trips to the southern Mediterranean. It was not immediately clear if French authorities would impound the ship. The public prosecutor's office in Catania, Sicily, said it believed crew on the Aquarius, and its sister ship VOS Prudence, had illegally dumped potentially dangerous medical waste among ordinary rubbish between January, 2017 and May, 2018. It said in a statement 24,000 kg (52,900 lb) of suspect waste, including potentially hazardous medical matter, was handed over to local authorities at 11 ports in Italy. By failing to declare possibly dangerous materials, the ships' operators avoided about 460,000 euros (US $526,000) of waste disposal costs, prosecutors said. They ordered that this sum be immediately frozen in the accounts of the charities. Some 24 people, including two Italian shipping agents, have been placed under preliminary investigation in the case, prosecutors said. MSF and SOS Mediterranee, which works alongside MSF, said they had always followed standard procedures when disposing of waste after trips looking for migrants off the coast of Libya. "This is an extreme, worrying effort to stop at all costs our search and rescue activity in the sea," Karline Kleijer, head of emergencies at MSF, said in a statement. The SOS Mediterranee charity called on France to "show restraint" in the face of the Italian investigation. The Italian government has led a crackdown against Mediterranean rescue ships since taking office in June, denying them access to local ports following the arrival of almost 650,000 people from North Africa since 2014. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who heads the far-right League party, welcomed Tuesday's move by Catania magistrates. "I did well to block the NGO ships. I stopped not only the traffic of illegal immigrants but, from what it seems, also that of toxic waste," he added.

Italy accuses NGO migrant ship of dumping toxic waste

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019.

Portugal withstood the pressure of an Italy that dominated the match throughout the first half and set up many opportunities to take the lead - particularly two beautiful chances for Ciro Immobile, whose shots unfortunately went astray.&nbsp;

Fernando Santos's Portugal team, led by the defense of goalkeeper Rui Patricio, remains unbeaten in Group 3 and became the first squad guaranteed a place in the semifinals next June.&nbsp;

For its part, Italy had to settle for a tie, the sixth consecutive on its home turf, and wrapped up its drive toward the UEFA Nations League finals with one win, two ties and one defeat.&nbsp;

At the start it all looked different, when Italy's control of the ball pretty much kept Portugal at its own end of the field for the entire first half, but was itself held to a tie until halftime thanks to some deft blocks by Portugal's Rui Patricio and Immobile's misplaced shots at goal.&nbsp;

And then, as the minutes passed in the second half, the Italians lost their intensity while Portugal gained theirs to make it a very even contest. And despite Italian coach Mancini replacing Immobile with the much more dynamic striker Kevin Lasagna, the score ended as it began, 0-0.

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019.

The Portugal soccer squad tied Italy 0-0 this Saturday at Milan's San Siro Stadium and so added the point it was lacking to move on to the finals of the UEFA Nations League, to be contested in June 2019. Portugal withstood the pressure of an Italy that dominated the match throughout the first half and set up many opportunities to take the lead - particularly two beautiful chances for Ciro Immobile, whose shots unfortunately went astray. Fernando Santos's Portugal team, led by the defense of goalkeeper Rui Patricio, remains unbeaten in Group 3 and became the first squad guaranteed a place in the semifinals next June. For its part, Italy had to settle for a tie, the sixth consecutive on its home turf, and wrapped up its drive toward the UEFA Nations League finals with one win, two ties and one defeat. At the start it all looked different, when Italy's control of the ball pretty much kept Portugal at its own end of the field for the entire first half, but was itself held to a tie until halftime thanks to some deft blocks by Portugal's Rui Patricio and Immobile's misplaced shots at goal. And then, as the minutes passed in the second half, the Italians lost their intensity while Portugal gained theirs to make it a very even contest. And despite Italian coach Mancini replacing Immobile with the much more dynamic striker Kevin Lasagna, the score ended as it began, 0-0.

Portugal keeps Italy off scoreboard 0-0 to move on to Nations League finals

Venice struggles to recover after floods

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday it feared the consequences of a possible "contagion" of Italy's economic woes to European countries with "weaker macroeconomic fundamentals."

Noting the "four-year high" in Italian sovereign bond yields, the IMF said, "spillovers to other markets have been fairly contained."

"But there is appreciable uncertainty, and contagion from future stress could be notable, especially for economies with weaker macroeconomic fundamentals and limited policy buffers," the IMF said in its autumn forecast for Europe.

Italy is under massive pressure since the European Commission on October 23 rejected its 2019 budget in a historic move, giving the ruling populist coalition in Rome until November 13 to present changes.

Failing that, Brussels could put Italy into something called the "excess deficit procedure", a complicated process that could eventually lead to a fine of 0.2 per cent of the country's GDP.

The Italian government -- a coalition of the far-right League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement -- plans to run a public deficit of 2.4 per cent of GDP, three times the target of its centre-left predecessor.

The coalition's 2019 budget is based on an estimate of annual growth of 1.5 per cent -- a figure considered optimistic by the IMF, which has forecast only one per cent, and the Commission, which expects 1.2 per cent.

Italian leaders insist the low growth rate is all the more reason to kickstart the economy through a spending spree, but Brussels fears the rising deficit could further feed Italy's exploding debt.

Italy already owes 2.3 trillion euros ($2.6 trillion), a sum equivalent to 131 per cent of its GDP. Even if Brussels fails to punish Rome, many assume the markets will.

Italy, as well as Turkey the IMF noted, "should prioritise measures that reduce fiscal deficits toward their medium-term targets and lower debt."

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday it feared the consequences of a possible "contagion" of Italy's economic woes to European countries with "weaker macroeconomic fundamentals.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday it feared the consequences of a possible "contagion" of Italy's economic woes to European countries with "weaker macroeconomic fundamentals." Noting the "four-year high" in Italian sovereign bond yields, the IMF said, "spillovers to other markets have been fairly contained." "But there is appreciable uncertainty, and contagion from future stress could be notable, especially for economies with weaker macroeconomic fundamentals and limited policy buffers," the IMF said in its autumn forecast for Europe. Italy is under massive pressure since the European Commission on October 23 rejected its 2019 budget in a historic move, giving the ruling populist coalition in Rome until November 13 to present changes. Failing that, Brussels could put Italy into something called the "excess deficit procedure", a complicated process that could eventually lead to a fine of 0.2 per cent of the country's GDP. The Italian government -- a coalition of the far-right League and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement -- plans to run a public deficit of 2.4 per cent of GDP, three times the target of its centre-left predecessor. The coalition's 2019 budget is based on an estimate of annual growth of 1.5 per cent -- a figure considered optimistic by the IMF, which has forecast only one per cent, and the Commission, which expects 1.2 per cent. Italian leaders insist the low growth rate is all the more reason to kickstart the economy through a spending spree, but Brussels fears the rising deficit could further feed Italy's exploding debt. Italy already owes 2.3 trillion euros ($2.6 trillion), a sum equivalent to 131 per cent of its GDP. Even if Brussels fails to punish Rome, many assume the markets will. Italy, as well as Turkey the IMF noted, "should prioritise measures that reduce fiscal deficits toward their medium-term targets and lower debt."

IMF fears possible Italy 'contagion' to weaker European economies

Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years.

Pakistan's Supreme Court acquitted Asia Bibi last month but the decision sparked mass protests and her husband, Ashiq Masih, says they could be killed by Islamists. Authorities have indicated they will bar Bibi from travelling abroad.

In February 2018, Masih and his daughter attended a ceremony in Italy to show solidarity with persecuted Christians where Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red.

Asia Bibi's case has galvanized Christian and human rights groups outraged by the country's treatment of religious minorities including its tiny Christian population.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini told a radio station that Italy is working discreetly on the case with other Western countries.

Marta Petrosillo, a spokesperson for the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) said her organisation had spoken to someone close to the family earlier in the morning.

Petrosillo said Asia Bibi was in the same security complex as her family but still separated from them.

"So far as we know she was able only to speak with her husband and she didn't meet her daughters yet but they are finally all together and they are waiting to go out of Pakistan but this morning they were still in Pakistan," she said.

Bibi's case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years.

Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years. Pakistan's Supreme Court acquitted Asia Bibi last month but the decision sparked mass protests and her husband, Ashiq Masih, says they could be killed by Islamists. Authorities have indicated they will bar Bibi from travelling abroad. In February 2018, Masih and his daughter attended a ceremony in Italy to show solidarity with persecuted Christians where Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red. Asia Bibi's case has galvanized Christian and human rights groups outraged by the country's treatment of religious minorities including its tiny Christian population. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini told a radio station that Italy is working discreetly on the case with other Western countries. Marta Petrosillo, a spokesperson for the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) said her organisation had spoken to someone close to the family earlier in the morning. Petrosillo said Asia Bibi was in the same security complex as her family but still separated from them. "So far as we know she was able only to speak with her husband and she didn't meet her daughters yet but they are finally all together and they are waiting to go out of Pakistan but this morning they were still in Pakistan," she said. Bibi's case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Pakistan blasphemy case: Italy says will help Asia Bibi leave her country

The Italian Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for far-right leader Matteo Salvini's tough anti-migrant and security decree to become law following a confidence vote.

The populist government of Salvini's League and Luigi Di Maio’s anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) won the vote with 163 senators for, 59 against and 19 abstentions, including five M5S members opposed to the stringent decree.

The lower house of parliament now has until the end of November to approve the decree, which the coalition first put forward in September and makes it easier to expel migrants and strip them of Italian citizenship.

"Salvini decree, an historic day," Salvini tweeted after the Senate vote.

The government opted for a confidence vote to get the decree through the senate after M5S members tabled a slew of amendments. It should have no problem passing the lower house given the coalition's majority.

The decree seeks to radically reduce the number of migrants receiving "humanitarian protection" -- a lower level of asylum status that is based on Italian rather than international law -- that was awarded to 25 per cent of asylum seekers last year.

It will now be awarded based on six strict criteria, including whether there is an urgent medical need or if the applicant was the victim of a natural disaster, or if they had carried out "heroic acts" in Italy.

Of the 81,500 decisions handed down by Italian authorities in 2017, eight per cent were granted asylum, eight per cent subsidiary protection and a quarter humanitarian protection.

The remainder were rejected. If appeals fail, they face the prospect of being classed as economic migrants who must return home.

Those seeking refugee status will also now have their requests suspended if they are considered "socially dangerous or convicted in the first instance" of crimes, while their appeals are ongoing.

They will in future be housed in bigger reception centres, while only minors and those with recognised refugee status will be housed in different parts of the country in order to facilitate integration.

There are currently around 146,000 migrants held in reception centres, down from 183,000 at the end of 2017.

The Italian mayors' association has railed against the change, saying that having hundreds of unemployed migrants in reception centres can have a negative impact on small communities.

The new law also lets local police have Taser stun guns and makes it easier to evict squatters by getting rid of the obligation of finding provisional housing for the most vulnerable.

One of the most controversial measures in the bill provides for stripping immigrants of their Italian nationality if they are convicted of "terrorism".

Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, has taken a hardline on immigration since the coalition came to power in June, refusing to allow several ships carrying migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to dock at Italian ports.

The Italian Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for far-right leader Matteo Salvini's tough anti-migrant and security decree to become law following a confidence vote.

The Italian Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for far-right leader Matteo Salvini's tough anti-migrant and security decree to become law following a confidence vote. The populist government of Salvini's League and Luigi Di Maio’s anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) won the vote with 163 senators for, 59 against and 19 abstentions, including five M5S members opposed to the stringent decree. The lower house of parliament now has until the end of November to approve the decree, which the coalition first put forward in September and makes it easier to expel migrants and strip them of Italian citizenship. "Salvini decree, an historic day," Salvini tweeted after the Senate vote. The government opted for a confidence vote to get the decree through the senate after M5S members tabled a slew of amendments. It should have no problem passing the lower house given the coalition's majority. The decree seeks to radically reduce the number of migrants receiving "humanitarian protection" -- a lower level of asylum status that is based on Italian rather than international law -- that was awarded to 25 per cent of asylum seekers last year. It will now be awarded based on six strict criteria, including whether there is an urgent medical need or if the applicant was the victim of a natural disaster, or if they had carried out "heroic acts" in Italy. Of the 81,500 decisions handed down by Italian authorities in 2017, eight per cent were granted asylum, eight per cent subsidiary protection and a quarter humanitarian protection. The remainder were rejected. If appeals fail, they face the prospect of being classed as economic migrants who must return home. Those seeking refugee status will also now have their requests suspended if they are considered "socially dangerous or convicted in the first instance" of crimes, while their appeals are ongoing. They will in future be housed in bigger reception centres, while only minors and those with recognised refugee status will be housed in different parts of the country in order to facilitate integration. There are currently around 146,000 migrants held in reception centres, down from 183,000 at the end of 2017. The Italian mayors' association has railed against the change, saying that having hundreds of unemployed migrants in reception centres can have a negative impact on small communities. The new law also lets local police have Taser stun guns and makes it easier to evict squatters by getting rid of the obligation of finding provisional housing for the most vulnerable. One of the most controversial measures in the bill provides for stripping immigrants of their Italian nationality if they are convicted of "terrorism". Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, has taken a hardline on immigration since the coalition came to power in June, refusing to allow several ships carrying migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to dock at Italian ports.

Italy Senate passes government's anti-migrant decree

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s girlfriend dumped him Monday on Instagram. The pair had been together for three years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elisa Isoardi, 35, a former model who hosts the Italian version of Ready Steady Cook, announced the end of their relationship with a photograph of the couple in bed.&nbsp;

"It’s not what we gave each other that I will miss but what we still could have given each other… With enormous respect for the true love that was, thank you, Matteo," Isoardi captioned the picture.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpyxUGrA_Hd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=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">Non è quello che ci siamo dati a mancarmi, ma quello che avremmo dovuto darci ancora. Gio Evan. Con immenso rispetto dell’amore vero che c’è stato. Grazie Matteo.</a>

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Salvini is currently in Ghana for talks on migration and prevention of West Africans from trying to reach Europe via Libya.

Salvini responded on his own Instagram and Facebook account by posting a picture of himself with his arms outstretched, captioned: "I never made public my private life, and I won't start doing it now... I loved, I forgave, surely I also made mistakes, but I believed it all the way. Pity someone had other priorities."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpz90yXBCiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=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">Impegnativa giornata di lavoro in Africa sul fronte immigrazione e sicurezza, ma il telefono dall’Italia mi squilla per altro... Per educazione, carattere e rispetto non ho mai buttato in piazza la mia vita privata, non comincerò a farlo adesso, agli Italiani non interessa. Ho amato, ho perdonato, sicuramente avrò anche commesso degli errori ma ci ho creduto fino in fondo. Peccato, qualcuno aveva altre priorità. Buona vita. Vi voglio bene Amici.</a>

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The reason for the couples break-up remains unclear.&nbsp;

Salvini has been an ardent user of social media, using Facebook and Twitter to announce policies, criticise opponents and garner support.

He has more than 900,000 followers on Twitter and 3.3 million followers on Facebook.

Last Friday, a poll showed that most Italians viewed Salvini as the real head of government, with just one in six casting Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in that role.

He has essentially managed to double national support for his party, the anti-immigration League, from 17 per cent to 34 per cent.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s girlfriend dumped him Monday on Instagram. The pair had been together for three years. Elisa Isoardi, 35, a former model who hosts the Italian version of Ready Steady Cook, announced the end of their relationship with a photograph of the couple in bed.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s girlfriend dumped him Monday on Instagram. The pair had been together for three years. Elisa Isoardi, 35, a former model who hosts the Italian version of Ready Steady Cook, announced the end of their relationship with a photograph of the couple in bed. "It’s not what we gave each other that I will miss but what we still could have given each other… With enormous respect for the true love that was, thank you, Matteo," Isoardi captioned the picture. View this post on Instagram Non è quello che ci siamo dati a mancarmi, ma quello che avremmo dovuto darci ancora. Gio Evan. Con immenso rispetto dell’amore vero che c’è stato. Grazie Matteo. A post shared by Elisa Isoardi (@elisaisoardi) on Nov 5, 2018 at 1:16am PST × Salvini is currently in Ghana for talks on migration and prevention of West Africans from trying to reach Europe via Libya. Salvini responded on his own Instagram and Facebook account by posting a picture of himself with his arms outstretched, captioned: "I never made public my private life, and I won't start doing it now... I loved, I forgave, surely I also made mistakes, but I believed it all the way. Pity someone had other priorities." View this post on Instagram Impegnativa giornata di lavoro in Africa sul fronte immigrazione e sicurezza, ma il telefono dall’Italia mi squilla per altro... Per educazione, carattere e rispetto non ho mai buttato in piazza la mia vita privata, non comincerò a farlo adesso, agli Italiani non interessa. Ho amato, ho perdonato, sicuramente avrò anche commesso degli errori ma ci ho creduto fino in fondo. Peccato, qualcuno aveva altre priorità. Buona vita. Vi voglio bene Amici. A post shared by Matteo Salvini (@matteosalviniofficial) on Nov 5, 2018 at 12:24pm PST × The reason for the couples break-up remains unclear. Salvini has been an ardent user of social media, using Facebook and Twitter to announce policies, criticise opponents and garner support. He has more than 900,000 followers on Twitter and 3.3 million followers on Facebook. Last Friday, a poll showed that most Italians viewed Salvini as the real head of government, with just one in six casting Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in that role. He has essentially managed to double national support for his party, the anti-immigration League, from 17 per cent to 34 per cent.

Italy's Deputy PM Matteo Salvini gets dumped — on Instagram

Floods killed 12 people on the island of Sicily, including nine members of a single family, pushing Italy's week-long storm toll beyond 30, rescuers said Sunday.

After a river burst its banks, the bodies of the family including children aged one, three and 15 were discovered in the coastal town of Casteldaccia east of the capital Palermo.

Rescue services said the house where they were spending the weekend was submerged in water and mud. The other victims' ages ranged from 32 to 65.

Three family members managed to escape, one by climbing a tree where he stayed for more than two hours, the Agi news agency reported.

"I lost everything, I have nothing left, just my daughter," one of the survivors, 35-year-old Giuseppe Giordano, told journalists.

His wife, two other children, his parents, brother, and sister, his nephew and the boy's grandmother all died, he said.

After flying over Casteldaccia on Sunday, Sicilian prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio described scenes of "total disaster".

Officials have opened an investigation to determine whether houses built near the river had complied with safety norms.

In a separate incident in Sicily, a 44-year-old man was found dead in his car near Vicari, also in the Palermo region.

He had been trying to reach a service station, where he was the manager, to help a colleague trapped there. A 20-year-old passenger in the car with him is still missing.

Rescue workers are also searching for a doctor, 40, forced by the storms to abandon his car on the road near the town of Corleone after trying to drive to work at the hospital there.

Two other people, a man and a woman, died after their rental car was swept away by a torrent in the region of Agrigente, rescuers said.

Violent winds and strong rain had killed at least 20 other people this week around Italy, especially in the north.

Two were reported killed on Friday, including a 62-year-old Germany tourist struck by lightning in Sardinia.

Six regions remain on high alert for storms.

The severe weather has caused massive damage and disruption. Trees in sprawling mountainside forests in the northeast of the country were flattened like matchsticks by violent winds.

"It's like after an earthquake," said the governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia. "Thousands of hectares of forest were razed to the ground, as if by a giant electric saw."

On Sunday, after flying over the area with Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, Zaia said the storms had destroyed 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) of pine forest in all.

Salvini posted photos of the devastation in a series of tweets Sunday after also flying over the Alpine town of Belluno.

"We need 40 billion euros ($45.5 billion) to secure the national territory," he said.

He pledged to collect and spend that sum but, in a barbed aside to the European Union, said he hoped his plans would not provoke overspending complaints from Brussels.

Europe has objected to Italy's proposed budget, which it says will worsen the country's already huge deficit.

The canal city of Venice, on Italy's northeast coast, has also experienced some of its worst flooding ever, and withstood winds of up to 180 kilometres an hour (110 miles an hour).

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino near Genoa, a holiday resort on the Italian riviera, was reachable only by sea after the main road collapsed.&nbsp;

Floods in Sicily have closed many roads this week, and mayors ordered schools, public parks and underpasses shut.

On Sunday, troops were deployed to check the condition of the main roads on the Mediterranean island.&nbsp;

Italy's civil protection agency has described the weather lashing the country this week as "one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years".

Floods killed 12 people on the island of Sicily, including nine members of a single family, pushing Italy's week-long storm toll beyond 30, rescuers said Sunday.

Floods killed 12 people on the island of Sicily, including nine members of a single family, pushing Italy's week-long storm toll beyond 30, rescuers said Sunday. After a river burst its banks, the bodies of the family including children aged one, three and 15 were discovered in the coastal town of Casteldaccia east of the capital Palermo. Rescue services said the house where they were spending the weekend was submerged in water and mud. The other victims' ages ranged from 32 to 65. Three family members managed to escape, one by climbing a tree where he stayed for more than two hours, the Agi news agency reported. "I lost everything, I have nothing left, just my daughter," one of the survivors, 35-year-old Giuseppe Giordano, told journalists. His wife, two other children, his parents, brother, and sister, his nephew and the boy's grandmother all died, he said. After flying over Casteldaccia on Sunday, Sicilian prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio described scenes of "total disaster". Officials have opened an investigation to determine whether houses built near the river had complied with safety norms. In a separate incident in Sicily, a 44-year-old man was found dead in his car near Vicari, also in the Palermo region. He had been trying to reach a service station, where he was the manager, to help a colleague trapped there. A 20-year-old passenger in the car with him is still missing. Rescue workers are also searching for a doctor, 40, forced by the storms to abandon his car on the road near the town of Corleone after trying to drive to work at the hospital there. Two other people, a man and a woman, died after their rental car was swept away by a torrent in the region of Agrigente, rescuers said. Violent winds and strong rain had killed at least 20 other people this week around Italy, especially in the north. Two were reported killed on Friday, including a 62-year-old Germany tourist struck by lightning in Sardinia. Six regions remain on high alert for storms. The severe weather has caused massive damage and disruption. Trees in sprawling mountainside forests in the northeast of the country were flattened like matchsticks by violent winds. "It's like after an earthquake," said the governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia. "Thousands of hectares of forest were razed to the ground, as if by a giant electric saw." On Sunday, after flying over the area with Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, Zaia said the storms had destroyed 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) of pine forest in all. Salvini posted photos of the devastation in a series of tweets Sunday after also flying over the Alpine town of Belluno. "We need 40 billion euros ($45.5 billion) to secure the national territory," he said. He pledged to collect and spend that sum but, in a barbed aside to the European Union, said he hoped his plans would not provoke overspending complaints from Brussels. Europe has objected to Italy's proposed budget, which it says will worsen the country's already huge deficit. The canal city of Venice, on Italy's northeast coast, has also experienced some of its worst flooding ever, and withstood winds of up to 180 kilometres an hour (110 miles an hour). The picturesque fishing village of Portofino near Genoa, a holiday resort on the Italian riviera, was reachable only by sea after the main road collapsed. Floods in Sicily have closed many roads this week, and mayors ordered schools, public parks and underpasses shut. On Sunday, troops were deployed to check the condition of the main roads on the Mediterranean island. Italy's civil protection agency has described the weather lashing the country this week as "one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years".

'Total disaster' as Italy storms kill at least 30

Storm damage crippled parts of Italy on Monday with thousands of roads damaged and coastlines battered after strong winds and heavy rains battered the country over the last week.

In Rapallo, northern Italy, fire brigade drone footage showed yachts worth hundreds of thousands of euro (dollars) submerged in water at the harbour.

Other yachts were seen washed up on their sides on shore. The coastal road from the town was seen to be completely unusable with huge chunks of tarmac that had given way and plummeted into the sea below.

At least 29 people have been killed by severe weather from the storms sweeping Italy, an&nbsp;official said.

Storm damage crippled parts of Italy on Monday with thousands of roads damaged and coastlines battered after strong winds and heavy rains battered the country over the last week.

Storm damage crippled parts of Italy on Monday with thousands of roads damaged and coastlines battered after strong winds and heavy rains battered the country over the last week. In Rapallo, northern Italy, fire brigade drone footage showed yachts worth hundreds of thousands of euro (dollars) submerged in water at the harbour. Other yachts were seen washed up on their sides on shore. The coastal road from the town was seen to be completely unusable with huge chunks of tarmac that had given way and plummeted into the sea below. At least 29 people have been killed by severe weather from the storms sweeping Italy, an official said.

Watch: Storm damages coastline, roads in Italy

Fierce winds and rains have killed at least 20 people in Italy this week and razed thousands of hectares of forest in the country's devastated north, officials said.

An 87-year-old woman and a 62-year-old German tourist were killed Friday after being struck by lightning in Sardinia.

It brings to 20 the number of people killed by bad weather in Italy since the start of the week, according to the country's civil protection agency, with meteorologists predicting further wind and rain throughout the weekend.

Trees covering the mountainsides in the Dolomites range were reduced to matchsticks, flattened by winds that tore through the Veneto region on Thursday.

"It's like after an earthquake," Veneto governor Luca Zaia said. "Thousands of hectares of forest were razed to the ground, as if by a giant electric saw." In addition, 160,000 people in the region were left without electricity, Zaia said, adding that parts of the Dolomites were "reduced to looking like the surface of the moon".

"We've been brought to our knees," the politician said.

The storms in northern Italy on Thursday killed two pensioners aged 74 and 73 when a tree fell on their car in the Aosta Valley. Another person fell into a river in the Brescia region and was dragged under by the current.

In the Alto Adige region, an 81-year-old died after falling off the damaged roof of his Alpine cottage, while a 53-year-old whose car was hit by a falling tree during bad weather died on Monday.

Several towns in the province of Belluno were cut off after a landslide damaged a mountain road and repair efforts were hampered by the insistent heavy rains.

Floods in Sicily have closed many roads and mayors ordered schools, public parks, and underpasses shut.

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino near Genoa, a famed holiday resort on the Italian riviera, was only reachable by sea after the main road collapsed and an emergency path opened to let residents out was deemed too dangerous.

"It won't be easy or quick but we count on returning Portofino next summer to the millions of tourists who come to visit it," regional governor Giovanni Toti said.

The Genoa region alone had suffered tens of millions of euros' worth of damage -- a price tag that could rise to hundreds of millions in the long term, he added.

Italy's civil protection agency described the weather lashing Italy this week as "one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years".

Venice was inundated by near-record flooding on Monday, ferocious storms drove high winds reaching up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour, and hundreds of trees were torn up by their roots in the Italian capital.

Fierce winds and rains have killed at least 20 people in Italy this week and razed thousands of hectares of forest in the country's devastated north, officials said.

Fierce winds and rains have killed at least 20 people in Italy this week and razed thousands of hectares of forest in the country's devastated north, officials said. An 87-year-old woman and a 62-year-old German tourist were killed Friday after being struck by lightning in Sardinia. It brings to 20 the number of people killed by bad weather in Italy since the start of the week, according to the country's civil protection agency, with meteorologists predicting further wind and rain throughout the weekend. Trees covering the mountainsides in the Dolomites range were reduced to matchsticks, flattened by winds that tore through the Veneto region on Thursday. "It's like after an earthquake," Veneto governor Luca Zaia said. "Thousands of hectares of forest were razed to the ground, as if by a giant electric saw." In addition, 160,000 people in the region were left without electricity, Zaia said, adding that parts of the Dolomites were "reduced to looking like the surface of the moon". "We've been brought to our knees," the politician said. The storms in northern Italy on Thursday killed two pensioners aged 74 and 73 when a tree fell on their car in the Aosta Valley. Another person fell into a river in the Brescia region and was dragged under by the current. In the Alto Adige region, an 81-year-old died after falling off the damaged roof of his Alpine cottage, while a 53-year-old whose car was hit by a falling tree during bad weather died on Monday. Several towns in the province of Belluno were cut off after a landslide damaged a mountain road and repair efforts were hampered by the insistent heavy rains. Floods in Sicily have closed many roads and mayors ordered schools, public parks, and underpasses shut. The picturesque fishing village of Portofino near Genoa, a famed holiday resort on the Italian riviera, was only reachable by sea after the main road collapsed and an emergency path opened to let residents out was deemed too dangerous. "It won't be easy or quick but we count on returning Portofino next summer to the millions of tourists who come to visit it," regional governor Giovanni Toti said. The Genoa region alone had suffered tens of millions of euros' worth of damage -- a price tag that could rise to hundreds of millions in the long term, he added. Italy's civil protection agency described the weather lashing Italy this week as "one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years". Venice was inundated by near-record flooding on Monday, ferocious storms drove high winds reaching up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour, and hundreds of trees were torn up by their roots in the Italian capital.

Fierce winds raze forests in storm-hit Italy, kills 20 this week

Expressing concern over the large public debt in Italy, the European Commission has asked the government of Italy to address worries about its big-spending 2019 budget by November 13.

The European Commission also called the debt as a source&nbsp;of concern for the entire Eurozone,&nbsp;

Italy is locked in a tussle with the EU executive, which earlier this month rejected the government's expansionary budget and asked Rome to submit a new one within three weeks.

The Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met with his economy minister on Tuesday to discuss the Italian budget.

Italian banks have lost nearly 40 billion euros ($45 billion) of market capitalisation since May, with small and mid-sized lenders worst-hit by a sell-off on concerns that Rome's budget crisis will lead to a capital crunch in the third-largest euro zone economy.

Faced with the government's unwillingness to accommodate European Union demands for fiscal discipline, investors have been dumping Italian government bonds, which account for about 10 per cent of Italian banks' total assets. That has forced lenders into costly write-downs, lifted funding costs and darkened their profit outlook.

The hefty loss in market capitalisation comes as the eurozone banking watchdog releases results of its latest stress test of European lenders, with Italian banks under the greatest scrutiny.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Expressing concern over the large public debt in Italy, the European Commission has asked the government of Italy to address worries about its big-spending 2019 budget by November 13.

Expressing concern over the large public debt in Italy, the European Commission has asked the government of Italy to address worries about its big-spending 2019 budget by November 13. The European Commission also called the debt as a source of concern for the entire Eurozone, Italy is locked in a tussle with the EU executive, which earlier this month rejected the government's expansionary budget and asked Rome to submit a new one within three weeks. The Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met with his economy minister on Tuesday to discuss the Italian budget. Italian banks have lost nearly 40 billion euros ($45 billion) of market capitalisation since May, with small and mid-sized lenders worst-hit by a sell-off on concerns that Rome's budget crisis will lead to a capital crunch in the third-largest euro zone economy. Faced with the government's unwillingness to accommodate European Union demands for fiscal discipline, investors have been dumping Italian government bonds, which account for about 10 per cent of Italian banks' total assets. That has forced lenders into costly write-downs, lifted funding costs and darkened their profit outlook. The hefty loss in market capitalisation comes as the eurozone banking watchdog releases results of its latest stress test of European lenders, with Italian banks under the greatest scrutiny. (With inputs from Reuters)

Debt a worry for whole Eurozone: EU Commission tells Rome 

Flooding hits Italy; storms kill at least 9 people

Heavy rains wreaks havoc in Italy; floods inundate 70% of Venice

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit.

The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The summit will focus on a number of areas including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology.

During the Conte-Modi talks, focus is expected to be on discussing ways to boost trade and investment.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

The bilateral trade between the countries increased to US $10.5 billion in 2017-18 from US $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal.

Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be on a day-long maiden visit to India today during which he will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The summit will focus on a number of areas including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology. During the Conte-Modi talks, focus is expected to be on discussing ways to boost trade and investment. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to US $10.5 billion in 2017-18 from US $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India.

On Italy prime minister-PM Modi bilateral talks, trade, energy on agenda

Italian PM Giuseppe Conte hold talks with PM Modi; likely to sign deals

At least five people died Monday in Italy as fierce winds and rains lashed much of the country and caused waters in the canal-ringed city of&nbsp;Venice&nbsp;to reach historic high levels.

Falling trees killed two people in their car not far from Rome, a man south of the capital and another in the Naples region, authorities said.

Near Savona in the northwest meanwhile, a falling piece of cornice struck and killed an elderly lady.

In&nbsp;Venice, rain-soaked tourists were barred from St. Mark's Square where local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches) by early afternoon.

Elevated wooden platforms usually placed on main passageways in the Renaissance city were not high enough to ensure safe passage in the low-lying square.

Families carried children on their shoulders through the surrounding streets. While some tourists donned thigh-high wellies, others had opted to take off their shoes and wade through the water.&nbsp;

The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. In 1966, when floods swept through the country, famously devastating Florence's historic centre, the waters reached 194 centimetres in&nbsp;Venice.

Nearly all of northern Italy was on alert due to the storms, with wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour and rainfall in some places equivalent to the amount that falls over several months.

Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region, said the situation could be worse than when huge floods struck in 2010.

"The ground is already saturated with water, the rivers are full and due to sirocco (a strong hot wind from Northern Africa), the sea is not absorbing (the waters), he said.

Schools were closed in Genoa, Rome and Veneto, as well as in several northern towns and the Sicilian port of Messina.

At least five people died Monday in Italy as fierce winds and rains lashed much of the country and caused waters in the canal-ringed city of Venice to reach historic high levels.

At least five people died Monday in Italy as fierce winds and rains lashed much of the country and caused waters in the canal-ringed city of Venice to reach historic high levels. Falling trees killed two people in their car not far from Rome, a man south of the capital and another in the Naples region, authorities said. Near Savona in the northwest meanwhile, a falling piece of cornice struck and killed an elderly lady. In Venice, rain-soaked tourists were barred from St. Mark's Square where local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches) by early afternoon. Elevated wooden platforms usually placed on main passageways in the Renaissance city were not high enough to ensure safe passage in the low-lying square. Families carried children on their shoulders through the surrounding streets. While some tourists donned thigh-high wellies, others had opted to take off their shoes and wade through the water. The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. In 1966, when floods swept through the country, famously devastating Florence's historic centre, the waters reached 194 centimetres in Venice. Nearly all of northern Italy was on alert due to the storms, with wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour and rainfall in some places equivalent to the amount that falls over several months. Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region, said the situation could be worse than when huge floods struck in 2010. "The ground is already saturated with water, the rivers are full and due to sirocco (a strong hot wind from Northern Africa), the sea is not absorbing (the waters), he said. Schools were closed in Genoa, Rome and Veneto, as well as in several northern towns and the Sicilian port of Messina.

Deadly storms lash Italy leaving Venice afloat, 5 dead

Italy's competition authority on Wednesday said it was fining Apple and Samsung 10 and five million euros ($11.5 and $5.7 million) respectively for the "planned obsolescence" of their smartphones.

The ruling is believed to be the first against the manufacturers following accusations worldwide that they encourage operating system updates for older phones <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apple-faces-lawsuits-after-admitting-it-slows-down-old-iphones-27817?amp">which slow them down</a>, thereby encouraging the purchase of new phones.

An investigation by the anti-trust authority revealed that "Apple and Samsung implemented dishonest commercial practices", a statement said.

Operating system updates "caused serious malfunctions and significantly reduced performance, thus accelerating phones' substitution."

Samsung told owners of its Note 4 phone to install a new version of Google's Android operating system intended for the more recent Note 7 but which rendered the old model sluggish.

Likewise, Apple told iPhone 6 owners to install an operating system designed for the iPhone 7, leading to problems for owners of the older model.

Apple was also found to have failed to tell customers about "essential" characteristics of its phones' lithium batteries, including their average life and how to prolong that life, resulting in a bigger fine than for Samsung.

The Italian anti-trust authority opened its investigation in January following customer complaints.

Italy's competition authority on Wednesday said it was fining Apple and Samsung 10 and five million euros ($11.5 and $5.7 million) respectively for the "planned obsolescence" of their smartphones.

Italy's competition authority on Wednesday said it was fining Apple and Samsung 10 and five million euros ($11.5 and $5.7 million) respectively for the "planned obsolescence" of their smartphones. The ruling is believed to be the first against the manufacturers following accusations worldwide that they encourage operating system updates for older phones which slow them down, thereby encouraging the purchase of new phones. An investigation by the anti-trust authority revealed that "Apple and Samsung implemented dishonest commercial practices", a statement said. Operating system updates "caused serious malfunctions and significantly reduced performance, thus accelerating phones' substitution." Samsung told owners of its Note 4 phone to install a new version of Google's Android operating system intended for the more recent Note 7 but which rendered the old model sluggish. Likewise, Apple told iPhone 6 owners to install an operating system designed for the iPhone 7, leading to problems for owners of the older model. Apple was also found to have failed to tell customers about "essential" characteristics of its phones' lithium batteries, including their average life and how to prolong that life, resulting in a bigger fine than for Samsung. The Italian anti-trust authority opened its investigation in January following customer complaints.

Apple, Samsung fined millions for slowing phones

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday.

The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute.

The Argentina forward, who missed two goals when the sides drew 0-0 in April in their previous meeting, had barely been involved in the game until that point, apart from having an early goal chalked off for offside.

Mateo Musacchio also had one disallowed for Milan just before halftime.

Inter went third in Serie A with 19 points from nine games, six behind leaders Juventus who drew 1-1 at home to Genoa on Saturday. Milan are 12th with 12 points, having played one game fewer.

Both coaches agreed that Inter deserved to win. "I wanted us to score earlier," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "We obviously deserved to win as we spent most of the game in their half."

His opposite number Gennaro Gattuso agreed that "Inter did more to earn the points."

"The team did well, the only regret is we didn't exploit some counter-attacks towards the end. We have to look ahead, but it burns."

Milan created very few chances and striker Gonzalo Higuain had to feed off scraps.

The first half was a bad-tempered but entertaining affair while the second half was disappointing and was petering out until Icardi's goal from out of the blue.

Tempers flared when Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia caught his opposite number Radja Nainggolan with a late tackle from behind and both players went down injured.

Biglia was booked and an angry Nainggolan had to go off shortly afterwards.

Despite losing the combative Belgian, Inter were enjoying the better of the first half and defender Stefan de Vrij volleyed against the post, then a last-ditch tackle by Alessio Romagnoli denied Icardi a scoring chance.

Milan thought they had scored when Musacchio managed to turn the ball in at the far post just before halftime but the linesman flagged and replays showed he was offside when Romagnoli flicked the ball on.

Inter had a golden chance to go ahead from the next attack but Vecino fired wildly over from a free position after Ivan Perisic cut the ball back into the area.

Inter were more adventurous after halftime and lived up to their reputation of leaving it late - Icardi's goal was the seventh time they have scored in the last 15 minutes this season, more than any other Serie A side.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday. The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday. The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute. The Argentina forward, who missed two goals when the sides drew 0-0 in April in their previous meeting, had barely been involved in the game until that point, apart from having an early goal chalked off for offside. Mateo Musacchio also had one disallowed for Milan just before halftime. Inter went third in Serie A with 19 points from nine games, six behind leaders Juventus who drew 1-1 at home to Genoa on Saturday. Milan are 12th with 12 points, having played one game fewer. Both coaches agreed that Inter deserved to win. "I wanted us to score earlier," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "We obviously deserved to win as we spent most of the game in their half." His opposite number Gennaro Gattuso agreed that "Inter did more to earn the points." "The team did well, the only regret is we didn't exploit some counter-attacks towards the end. We have to look ahead, but it burns." Milan created very few chances and striker Gonzalo Higuain had to feed off scraps. The first half was a bad-tempered but entertaining affair while the second half was disappointing and was petering out until Icardi's goal from out of the blue. Tempers flared when Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia caught his opposite number Radja Nainggolan with a late tackle from behind and both players went down injured. Biglia was booked and an angry Nainggolan had to go off shortly afterwards. Despite losing the combative Belgian, Inter were enjoying the better of the first half and defender Stefan de Vrij volleyed against the post, then a last-ditch tackle by Alessio Romagnoli denied Icardi a scoring chance. Milan thought they had scored when Musacchio managed to turn the ball in at the far post just before halftime but the linesman flagged and replays showed he was offside when Romagnoli flicked the ball on. Inter had a golden chance to go ahead from the next attack but Vecino fired wildly over from a free position after Ivan Perisic cut the ball back into the area. Inter were more adventurous after halftime and lived up to their reputation of leaving it late - Icardi's goal was the seventh time they have scored in the last 15 minutes this season, more than any other Serie A side.

Mauro Icardi snatches stoppage time winner for Inter in derby

Italy's populist government on Monday responded to EU criticism of its budget with a vow to stick to its public spending hike while scrupulously keeping to its own deficit limits.

"The figure of 2.4 per cent (deficit to GDP ratio in 2019) is a ceiling that we have solemnly undertaken to respect," Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told journalists after the coalition sent its pledge in a letter to EU officials in Brussels.

The government had until midday (1000 GMT) to reply to Brussels' concerns about the cost of its draft budget aimed at stimulating growth.

Despite the war of words, Conte also vowed that Italy would remain within the European Union and keep the euro currency.

"Read my lips: for Italy there is no chance of Italexit, to get out of Europe or the eurozone," Conte said, amid growing concerns over Brexit negotiations and the prospect of Britain crashing out of the bloc without an agreement.

A deficit of 2.4 per cent of annual economic output next year would be triple the amount forecast by the previous Italian government and come close to the EU limit of 3.0 per cent.

That, in turn, would aggravate Italy's already massive debt mountain, at some 130 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), way above the EU 60 per cent ceiling and second only to Greece's in Europe.

But the coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and anti-immigrant League has said it would reduce total debt to 126.5 per cent in 2021.

In its four-page letter to the European Commission, Italy's government admitted its budget was "not in line with the norms of the stability and growth pact" governing EU member state public finances.

"It was a difficult decision but necessary given the delay in achieving pre-crisis GDP levels and the dramatic economic situation of the most disadvantaged in Italian society," the letter said.

Italy's proposed hike in public spending saw Moody's on Friday cut its debt rating from Baa2 to Baa3, although with a stable outlook, meaning it will likely not downgrade the Italian economy again within six months.&nbsp;

"Moody's slightly lowered its rating for Italy, to Baa3, but gave it a stable outlook while investors expected a negative outlook. That in itself is good news," said Saxo Bank analyst Christopher Dembik.

Moody's on Friday cited concerns over the government's plans to increase public spending sharply after years of austerity, implementing election promises for a universal basic income and pension reform.

'People's budget'&nbsp;

The European Commission formally warned Italy last week that its plans for 2019 were a serious concern, sending a letter to Rome to warn that it did not rule out rejecting the entire budget.

The downgrade from Moody's was the latest move by international financial watchdogs sounding the alarm over Italy's economic health.&nbsp;

Moody's cited a "material weakening in Italy's fiscal strength, with the government targeting higher budget deficits for the coming years," as well as debt holding near the current 130 per cent of GDP "rather than start trending down as previously expected".

Aimed at fulfilling electoral promises, Italy's planned spending boost is what the government calls its "people's budget".

It includes a series of pension and tax changes costing 37 billion euros ($43 billion), of which 22 billion will be paid for by borrowings, expanding the deficit.

"I see that in a country with six million living in poverty, they are implementing plans to alleviate poverty," EU Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Monday.

Rome "thinks that raising public spending will create growth (but) we're in a period of overheating and most economists think that this will not be the case," Moscovici told France Inter radio.

Nevertheless "the European Commission doesn't want a crisis between Brussels and Rome," Moscovici said. "Italy's place is in the heart of Europe and not outside."

Italy's populist government on Monday responded to EU criticism of its budget with a vow to stick to its public spending hike while scrupulously keeping to its own deficit limits.

Italy's populist government on Monday responded to EU criticism of its budget with a vow to stick to its public spending hike while scrupulously keeping to its own deficit limits. "The figure of 2.4 per cent (deficit to GDP ratio in 2019) is a ceiling that we have solemnly undertaken to respect," Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told journalists after the coalition sent its pledge in a letter to EU officials in Brussels. The government had until midday (1000 GMT) to reply to Brussels' concerns about the cost of its draft budget aimed at stimulating growth. Despite the war of words, Conte also vowed that Italy would remain within the European Union and keep the euro currency. "Read my lips: for Italy there is no chance of Italexit, to get out of Europe or the eurozone," Conte said, amid growing concerns over Brexit negotiations and the prospect of Britain crashing out of the bloc without an agreement. A deficit of 2.4 per cent of annual economic output next year would be triple the amount forecast by the previous Italian government and come close to the EU limit of 3.0 per cent. That, in turn, would aggravate Italy's already massive debt mountain, at some 130 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), way above the EU 60 per cent ceiling and second only to Greece's in Europe. But the coalition government of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and anti-immigrant League has said it would reduce total debt to 126.5 per cent in 2021. In its four-page letter to the European Commission, Italy's government admitted its budget was "not in line with the norms of the stability and growth pact" governing EU member state public finances. "It was a difficult decision but necessary given the delay in achieving pre-crisis GDP levels and the dramatic economic situation of the most disadvantaged in Italian society," the letter said. Italy's proposed hike in public spending saw Moody's on Friday cut its debt rating from Baa2 to Baa3, although with a stable outlook, meaning it will likely not downgrade the Italian economy again within six months. "Moody's slightly lowered its rating for Italy, to Baa3, but gave it a stable outlook while investors expected a negative outlook. That in itself is good news," said Saxo Bank analyst Christopher Dembik. Moody's on Friday cited concerns over the government's plans to increase public spending sharply after years of austerity, implementing election promises for a universal basic income and pension reform. 'People's budget' The European Commission formally warned Italy last week that its plans for 2019 were a serious concern, sending a letter to Rome to warn that it did not rule out rejecting the entire budget. The downgrade from Moody's was the latest move by international financial watchdogs sounding the alarm over Italy's economic health. Moody's cited a "material weakening in Italy's fiscal strength, with the government targeting higher budget deficits for the coming years," as well as debt holding near the current 130 per cent of GDP "rather than start trending down as previously expected". Aimed at fulfilling electoral promises, Italy's planned spending boost is what the government calls its "people's budget". It includes a series of pension and tax changes costing 37 billion euros ($43 billion), of which 22 billion will be paid for by borrowings, expanding the deficit. "I see that in a country with six million living in poverty, they are implementing plans to alleviate poverty," EU Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Monday. Rome "thinks that raising public spending will create growth (but) we're in a period of overheating and most economists think that this will not be the case," Moscovici told France Inter radio. Nevertheless "the European Commission doesn't want a crisis between Brussels and Rome," Moscovici said. "Italy's place is in the heart of Europe and not outside."

Italy tells EU it will control deficit, stick to big-spending budget

Italy snatched a dramatic and deserved 1-0 win away to Poland in their Nations League match on Sunday thanks to a stoppage-time header from Cristiano Biraghi, his first international goal.

Biraghi gave Italy their first win in the competition and also their first in a competitive match since Roberto Mancini took over as coach in May.

It also meant that Poland, who have one point from three games after also losing at home to Portugal on Thursday, will finish bottom of Group Three in League A and will be relegated to the second-tier League B.

It was a richly-deserved win for Italy who produced one of their best performances in the last few years and twice hit the crossbar in the first half.

Italy have four points from three games while leaders Portugal, who remain firm favourites to win the group and qualify for the semi-finals at the end of the season, have six from two.

"We dominated the match, we should have scored earlier and it would have been very unfair if the game had finished 0-0," said Mancini who is rebuilding the side after their failure to qualify for this year's World Cup.

"It's a great win, we can still improve a lot but it needs patience -- these lads need time."

Poland made six changes to the team which lost to Portugal while Italy's line-up was unchanged from Wednesday's 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine.

Italy immediately took the initiative and midfielder Jorginho curled a shot against the bar in the first minute.

Lorenzo Insigne dinked the ball on to the roof of the net from Alessandro Florenzi's pass and the Napoli forward also struck the woodwork on the half-hour after Federico Chiesa sent him clear.

Jorginho then forced Wojciech Szczesny to make a difficult save as Italy continued to dominate the game and create chances.

Italy continued to push forward after halftime, playing some flowing football in the process, and should have gone ahead when Federico Bernardeschi found himself with a free header from Chiesa's cross but sent his shot wide of the target.

Then it was Poland's turn as Kamil Grosicki was sent clear by Roberto Lewandowski. His shot was parried by Gianluigi Donnarumma and the rebound fell to Arkadiusz Milik who fired wide.

A draw would have guaranteed Portugal top spot with two games to spare but Italy finally got their reward in the 92nd minute.

A corner was touched on by substitute Kevin Lasagne at the near post and Biraghi, winning his third cap, headed in to spark delirious celebrations on the Italy bench.

Italy snatched a dramatic and deserved 1-0 win away to Poland in their Nations League match on Sunday thanks to a stoppage-time header from Cristiano Biraghi, his first international goal.

Italy snatched a dramatic and deserved 1-0 win away to Poland in their Nations League match on Sunday thanks to a stoppage-time header from Cristiano Biraghi, his first international goal. Biraghi gave Italy their first win in the competition and also their first in a competitive match since Roberto Mancini took over as coach in May. It also meant that Poland, who have one point from three games after also losing at home to Portugal on Thursday, will finish bottom of Group Three in League A and will be relegated to the second-tier League B. It was a richly-deserved win for Italy who produced one of their best performances in the last few years and twice hit the crossbar in the first half. Italy have four points from three games while leaders Portugal, who remain firm favourites to win the group and qualify for the semi-finals at the end of the season, have six from two. "We dominated the match, we should have scored earlier and it would have been very unfair if the game had finished 0-0," said Mancini who is rebuilding the side after their failure to qualify for this year's World Cup. "It's a great win, we can still improve a lot but it needs patience -- these lads need time." Poland made six changes to the team which lost to Portugal while Italy's line-up was unchanged from Wednesday's 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine. Italy immediately took the initiative and midfielder Jorginho curled a shot against the bar in the first minute. Lorenzo Insigne dinked the ball on to the roof of the net from Alessandro Florenzi's pass and the Napoli forward also struck the woodwork on the half-hour after Federico Chiesa sent him clear. Jorginho then forced Wojciech Szczesny to make a difficult save as Italy continued to dominate the game and create chances. Italy continued to push forward after halftime, playing some flowing football in the process, and should have gone ahead when Federico Bernardeschi found himself with a free header from Chiesa's cross but sent his shot wide of the target. Then it was Poland's turn as Kamil Grosicki was sent clear by Roberto Lewandowski. His shot was parried by Gianluigi Donnarumma and the rebound fell to Arkadiusz Milik who fired wide. A draw would have guaranteed Portugal top spot with two games to spare but Italy finally got their reward in the 92nd minute. A corner was touched on by substitute Kevin Lasagne at the near post and Biraghi, winning his third cap, headed in to spark delirious celebrations on the Italy bench.

Biraghi gives Italy stoppage-time win in Poland

Italy will close its airports to unauthorised planes carrying migrants from Germany, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday, ratcheting up a dispute between the EU partners over how to share responsibility for asylum seekers.

The two countries have been working on a deal under which Germany would send back to Italy migrants who have already applied for asylum there, but the accord has yet to be signed.

Italian daily La Repubblica reported on Saturday that Germany's refugee agency had sent "dozens of letters" to migrants advising them of a planned transfer back to Italy, possibly via charter flights. The first such transfer is planned for Oct. 9, it said.

"If someone, in Berlin or Brussels, thinks of dumping dozens of immigrants in Italy via unauthorized charter flights, they should know that there is not and there will be no airport available," Salvini said in a statement.

"We will close the airports as we closed the ports."

Germany's interior ministry and the refugee agency could not immediately be reached for comment on the report in La Repubblica.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said last month that a deal with Italy had been reached and that he expected it to be signed shortly. But Salvini denied that a day later, demanding more concessions from Germany.

The Italian minister said at the time that he had received reassurances from Germany that for every migrant it returned to Italy the German authorities would accept a bonafide asylum seeker from Italy.

But Salvini wants concessions on two other issues - a revision of both the EU's Dublin Treaty on how Europe handles asylum requests, and of the EU's Sophia naval mission which is patrolling the Mediterranean.

Seehofer urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to intervene to end the standoff.

"The agreement has been negotiated and follows the same principle as with Greece," Seehofer told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "We return refugees back to Italy, but we must take in the same number from sea rescues."

He added: "But now Salvini is suddenly saying: I will only sign if Germany backs Italy's position on asylum in the European Union. The heads of government are required to act (to solve this)."

Italy is seeking an overhaul of the Dublin Treaty so that there is an automatic distribution of asylum seekers throughout the EU, instead of requiring them to stay in the country where they first touch European soil, as is the case now.

It also wants to change the mandate of Operation Sophia, which at present says that all migrants picked up in the Mediterranean must be taken to Italy.

Italy has become the main route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers arriving by sea since the other main route from Turkey to Greece was largely shut in 2016. However, numbers have fallen dramatically over the past 12 months. 
&nbsp;

Italy will close its airports to unauthorised planes carrying migrants from Germany, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday, ratcheting up a dispute between the EU partners over how to share responsibility for asylum seekers.

Italy will close its airports to unauthorised planes carrying migrants from Germany, Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday, ratcheting up a dispute between the EU partners over how to share responsibility for asylum seekers. The two countries have been working on a deal under which Germany would send back to Italy migrants who have already applied for asylum there, but the accord has yet to be signed. Italian daily La Repubblica reported on Saturday that Germany's refugee agency had sent "dozens of letters" to migrants advising them of a planned transfer back to Italy, possibly via charter flights. The first such transfer is planned for Oct. 9, it said. "If someone, in Berlin or Brussels, thinks of dumping dozens of immigrants in Italy via unauthorized charter flights, they should know that there is not and there will be no airport available," Salvini said in a statement. "We will close the airports as we closed the ports." Germany's interior ministry and the refugee agency could not immediately be reached for comment on the report in La Repubblica. German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said last month that a deal with Italy had been reached and that he expected it to be signed shortly. But Salvini denied that a day later, demanding more concessions from Germany. The Italian minister said at the time that he had received reassurances from Germany that for every migrant it returned to Italy the German authorities would accept a bonafide asylum seeker from Italy. But Salvini wants concessions on two other issues - a revision of both the EU's Dublin Treaty on how Europe handles asylum requests, and of the EU's Sophia naval mission which is patrolling the Mediterranean. Seehofer urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to intervene to end the standoff. "The agreement has been negotiated and follows the same principle as with Greece," Seehofer told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "We return refugees back to Italy, but we must take in the same number from sea rescues." He added: "But now Salvini is suddenly saying: I will only sign if Germany backs Italy's position on asylum in the European Union. The heads of government are required to act (to solve this)." Italy is seeking an overhaul of the Dublin Treaty so that there is an automatic distribution of asylum seekers throughout the EU, instead of requiring them to stay in the country where they first touch European soil, as is the case now. It also wants to change the mandate of Operation Sophia, which at present says that all migrants picked up in the Mediterranean must be taken to Italy. Italy has become the main route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers arriving by sea since the other main route from Turkey to Greece was largely shut in 2016. However, numbers have fallen dramatically over the past 12 months.

Italy will close airports to unauthorised migrant flights: Interior Minister Salvini

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