A group of 120 migrants were brought to Malta on Sunday after having been found drifting in a small boat off the Mediterranean island.

The Malta armed forces said the boat was spotted during a routine patrol by one of its patrol boats. The nationalities of the migrants were not immediately known.

Migrants crossing in small boats across the Mediterranean have increased since Italy and Malta closed their harbours for migrant rescue ships operated by voluntary organisations.

This is the biggest group to arrive in a small boat since 61 made it to the island in April.

A group of 120 migrants were brought to Malta on Sunday after having been found drifting in a small boat off the Mediterranean island. The Malta armed forces said the boat was spotted during a routine patrol by one of its patrol boats.

A group of 120 migrants were brought to Malta on Sunday after having been found drifting in a small boat off the Mediterranean island. The Malta armed forces said the boat was spotted during a routine patrol by one of its patrol boats. The nationalities of the migrants were not immediately known. Migrants crossing in small boats across the Mediterranean have increased since Italy and Malta closed their harbours for migrant rescue ships operated by voluntary organisations. This is the biggest group to arrive in a small boat since 61 made it to the island in April.

Over 100 migrants rescued at sea and brought to Malta

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock.

It is unclear if the gesture marks a change in policy in Madrid under new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez or whether it will have a "pull effect" that draws more migrants to Spain.

Here are some key facts about migrant arrivals in Spain:

Arrivals by sea double &nbsp

Since the start of the year, over 9,300 migrants reached Spain's shores by sea, more than double the figure for the same period last year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The number of migrants who died while trying to reach Spain by sea has more than quadrupled to 244 as of June 10 from 61 last year during the same period.

Most migrants travel in packed boats from Morocco's northern shore to Spain's southern coast, a distance of over 100 kilometres (60 miles) depending on the route.

Spain was the third most popular destination for migrants in the European Union last year after Italy and Greece.

What happens after they arrive?&nbsp

After passing through a police station to be identified, migrants are usually taken to one of seven longer-term immigration detention centres where they wait for up to 60 days for their fate to be decided.

Some 8,800 people passed through these centres last year, according to official figures. Human rights Watch and other rights groups complain that migrants are held in poor conditions in these centres and face obstacles in applying for asylum.

"A lot of people are released into the streets after 72 hours (at a police station), because currently there are no more places in the centres," Carlos Arce, migration coordinator at the Human Rights Association of Andalusia (APDHA), told AFP.

These migrants are left to fend for themselves, without any follow-up or help from the government, he added.

For those who manage to formally seek asylum, the system is saturated.

Is there a 'siren call' risk?

The government's decision to take in the migrants from the Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranee, has been generally well received in Spain, with dozens of cities and regions offering to give them shelter.

But the conservative Popular Party which ran Spain for six years, until they were ousted in a no-confidence vote on June 1, quickly sounded the alarm that the move would act as a "siren call" for more migrants.

While the number of migrants arriving in Spain by sea has doubled, in Italy arrivals by sea have dropped by 73 percent over the same period last year to 14,330 as of June 10, according to IOM figures.

Change in policy? 

Sanchez cited "humanitarian reasons" for agreeing to accept the migrants from the Aquarius ship. The gesture contrasted with the policy under his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy whose government was often accused of only reluctantly accepting migrants.

"Spain is far from respecting the quota of migrants that has been assigned each country" by the European Commission, Spanish foreign Minister Josep Borrell said Wednesday.

The country pledged to receive 9,323 refugees who arrived in Greece and Italy but as of May 31 it had only welcomed 1,359, according to the Commission.

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock. It is unclear if the gesture marks a change in policy in Madrid under new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez or whether it will have a "pull effect" that draws more migrants to Spain. Here are some key facts about migrant arrivals in Spain: Arrivals by sea double Since the start of the year, over 9,300 migrants reached Spain's shores by sea, more than double the figure for the same period last year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The number of migrants who died while trying to reach Spain by sea has more than quadrupled to 244 as of June 10 from 61 last year during the same period. Most migrants travel in packed boats from Morocco's northern shore to Spain's southern coast, a distance of over 100 kilometres (60 miles) depending on the route. Spain was the third most popular destination for migrants in the European Union last year after Italy and Greece. What happens after they arrive? After passing through a police station to be identified, migrants are usually taken to one of seven longer-term immigration detention centres where they wait for up to 60 days for their fate to be decided. Some 8,800 people passed through these centres last year, according to official figures. Human rights Watch and other rights groups complain that migrants are held in poor conditions in these centres and face obstacles in applying for asylum. "A lot of people are released into the streets after 72 hours (at a police station), because currently there are no more places in the centres," Carlos Arce, migration coordinator at the Human Rights Association of Andalusia (APDHA), told AFP. These migrants are left to fend for themselves, without any follow-up or help from the government, he added. For those who manage to formally seek asylum, the system is saturated. Is there a 'siren call' risk? The government's decision to take in the migrants from the Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranee, has been generally well received in Spain, with dozens of cities and regions offering to give them shelter. But the conservative Popular Party which ran Spain for six years, until they were ousted in a no-confidence vote on June 1, quickly sounded the alarm that the move would act as a "siren call" for more migrants. While the number of migrants arriving in Spain by sea has doubled, in Italy arrivals by sea have dropped by 73 percent over the same period last year to 14,330 as of June 10, according to IOM figures. Change in policy? Sanchez cited "humanitarian reasons" for agreeing to accept the migrants from the Aquarius ship. The gesture contrasted with the policy under his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy whose government was often accused of only reluctantly accepting migrants. "Spain is far from respecting the quota of migrants that has been assigned each country" by the European Commission, Spanish foreign Minister Josep Borrell said Wednesday. The country pledged to receive 9,323 refugees who arrived in Greece and Italy but as of May 31 it had only welcomed 1,359, according to the Commission.

Migrants in Spain find difficult situation

Italy said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;its decision to shut its ports to hundred of migrants aboard a charity ship was firm, as a clash between Rome and Paris over migrant policy heated up.

"We will not change (our position) on ships belonging to non-governmental organisations," Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said in an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

"Ships belonging to foreign organisations and flying foreign flags cannot dictate Italy's immigration policy," said Salvini, who is also head of the anti-immigrant League.

Since Sunday, when both Italy and Malta refused to let them dock, some 629 migrants, including 11 children and seven pregnant women, have been in the central Mediterranean aboard the Aquarius.

Some of the migrants on the overcrowded Aquarius, who are mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were moved onto to two Italian ships from the navy and coastguard and are headed for the port of Valencia, Spain.

The episode, coming a week after the installation of Italy's new populist government, has heightened tensions within the European Union over migration.

While Spain adopted a diplomatic tone with Italy when it announced it would take the migrants, relations between Rome and Paris have deteriorated in an explosion of accusations and counter-accusations.

French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the decision to block the Aquarius, operated by the Franco-German charity SOS Mediterranne, saying international law obligated Italy to take in the migrants.

"There is a degree of cynicism and irresponsibility in the Italian government's behaviour with regard to this dramatic humanitarian situation," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux quoted Macron as telling his cabinet.

Gabriel Attal, a spokesman for Macron's party, told Public Senat TV: "The Italian position makes me vomit."

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who is due to meet Macron in Paris&nbsp;this Friday, shot back.

"Italy cannot accept hypocritical lessons from countries that have always preferred to turn their backs when it comes to immigration," Conte said in a statement.

The situation escalated&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;morning when Rome's foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador for an explanation of Macron's comments.

"If the French have the humility to say they are sorry, we can put it behind us and be friends like before," Salvini told reporters on the sidelines of a business conference.

Also&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;morning, an Italian coast guard vessel with 937 migrants aboard docked in Catania, Sicily.

Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli said the fact that migrants rescued by Italian ships were landing in Italy showed that the government was not "inhumane or xenophobic".

Italy has taken in more than 640,000 mainly African migrants and refugees over the past five years. Other EU states have largely ignored pleas by Rome to take in some of the newcomers and share the cost of their care.

Several EU countries have, however, housed migrants who entered the bloc via other routes, with Germany admitting more than a million people in recent years.

Salvini's League scored its best-ever result in March national elections, partly on pledges to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants and halt the flow of newcomers, and has formed a coalition with the anti-system 5-Star Movement.

'We will not change (our position) on ships belonging to non-governmental organisations,' Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said

Italy said on Wednesday its decision to shut its ports to hundred of migrants aboard a charity ship was firm, as a clash between Rome and Paris over migrant policy heated up. "We will not change (our position) on ships belonging to non-governmental organisations," Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said in an interview with the Corriere della Sera newspaper. "Ships belonging to foreign organisations and flying foreign flags cannot dictate Italy's immigration policy," said Salvini, who is also head of the anti-immigrant League. Since Sunday, when both Italy and Malta refused to let them dock, some 629 migrants, including 11 children and seven pregnant women, have been in the central Mediterranean aboard the Aquarius. Some of the migrants on the overcrowded Aquarius, who are mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were moved onto to two Italian ships from the navy and coastguard and are headed for the port of Valencia, Spain. The episode, coming a week after the installation of Italy's new populist government, has heightened tensions within the European Union over migration. While Spain adopted a diplomatic tone with Italy when it announced it would take the migrants, relations between Rome and Paris have deteriorated in an explosion of accusations and counter-accusations. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the decision to block the Aquarius, operated by the Franco-German charity SOS Mediterranne, saying international law obligated Italy to take in the migrants. "There is a degree of cynicism and irresponsibility in the Italian government's behaviour with regard to this dramatic humanitarian situation," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux quoted Macron as telling his cabinet. Gabriel Attal, a spokesman for Macron's party, told Public Senat TV: "The Italian position makes me vomit." Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who is due to meet Macron in Paris this Friday, shot back. "Italy cannot accept hypocritical lessons from countries that have always preferred to turn their backs when it comes to immigration," Conte said in a statement. The situation escalated on Wednesday morning when Rome's foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador for an explanation of Macron's comments. "If the French have the humility to say they are sorry, we can put it behind us and be friends like before," Salvini told reporters on the sidelines of a business conference. Also on Wednesday morning, an Italian coast guard vessel with 937 migrants aboard docked in Catania, Sicily. Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli said the fact that migrants rescued by Italian ships were landing in Italy showed that the government was not "inhumane or xenophobic". Italy has taken in more than 640,000 mainly African migrants and refugees over the past five years. Other EU states have largely ignored pleas by Rome to take in some of the newcomers and share the cost of their care. Several EU countries have, however, housed migrants who entered the bloc via other routes, with Germany admitting more than a million people in recent years. Salvini's League scored its best-ever result in March national elections, partly on pledges to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants and halt the flow of newcomers, and has formed a coalition with the anti-system 5-Star Movement.

Italy vows migrant ship cannot dock as Paris-Rome clash escalates

Malta today reiterated its refusal to open its ports to an NGO migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean with hundreds of people on board, ignoring calls from Italy's hardline interior minister to not "look the other way".

Some 629 migrants were saved by SOS Mediterranee yesterday and are stuck aboard the French NGO's ship Aquarius, which is currently between Malta and Sicily waiting for a secure port at which to dock.

Matteo Salvini, in a joint statement with Danilo Toninelli, the minister in charge of the Italian coastguard, insisted that Malta "cannot continue to look the other way when it comes to respecting precise international conventions on the protection of human life."

"That's why we ask the government in Valletta to take in the Aquarius in order to offer first aid to the migrants on board," the statement continued.

Malta's government replied saying Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had spoken to Italian premier Giuseppe Conte, and underlined "that Malta is acting in full conformity with its international obligations".

"As such Malta will not take the said vessel in its ports," the statement continued.

Media reports earlier said Salvini had threatened to close access to Italian ports for migrant rescue ships if Malta fails to act.

In the meantime, Conte said that Italy has sent two patrol ships with doctors on board "ready to intervene and ensure the health of anyone on board the Aquarius who might have the need".

Speaking to AFP, a Maltese government spokesman insisted that the rescue of the migrants took place in the Libyan search and rescue area and was headed up by the rescue coordination centre in Rome, meaning Malta has no legal obligation to take in the migrants.

Speaking to news channel Sky TG24, Aquarius crew member Alessandro Porro said that they were north of Malta and had "received no communications from the Maltese authorities".

"The people we saved yesterday were in a difficult condition, at least 50 were at risk of drowning. We need to have an idea of what port to go to, something that up to now we haven't had."

The migrants were rescued by Aquarius in six separate night-time operations in the central Mediterranean yesterday.

The French organisation said that among those saved and brought on board are 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 small children and seven pregnant women.

Italy's spat with Malta began after its reported refusal to come to the aid of another rescue ship Seefuchs, which was stranded with 126 migrants on board due to violent seas until it was allowed to dock in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo yesterday.

Media reports earlier said Salvini had threatened to close access to Italian ports for migrant rescue ships if Malta fails to act.

Malta today reiterated its refusal to open its ports to an NGO migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean with hundreds of people on board, ignoring calls from Italy's hardline interior minister to not "look the other way". Some 629 migrants were saved by SOS Mediterranee yesterday and are stuck aboard the French NGO's ship Aquarius, which is currently between Malta and Sicily waiting for a secure port at which to dock. Matteo Salvini, in a joint statement with Danilo Toninelli, the minister in charge of the Italian coastguard, insisted that Malta "cannot continue to look the other way when it comes to respecting precise international conventions on the protection of human life." "That's why we ask the government in Valletta to take in the Aquarius in order to offer first aid to the migrants on board," the statement continued. Malta's government replied saying Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had spoken to Italian premier Giuseppe Conte, and underlined "that Malta is acting in full conformity with its international obligations". "As such Malta will not take the said vessel in its ports," the statement continued. Media reports earlier said Salvini had threatened to close access to Italian ports for migrant rescue ships if Malta fails to act. In the meantime, Conte said that Italy has sent two patrol ships with doctors on board "ready to intervene and ensure the health of anyone on board the Aquarius who might have the need". Speaking to AFP, a Maltese government spokesman insisted that the rescue of the migrants took place in the Libyan search and rescue area and was headed up by the rescue coordination centre in Rome, meaning Malta has no legal obligation to take in the migrants. Speaking to news channel Sky TG24, Aquarius crew member Alessandro Porro said that they were north of Malta and had "received no communications from the Maltese authorities". "The people we saved yesterday were in a difficult condition, at least 50 were at risk of drowning. We need to have an idea of what port to go to, something that up to now we haven't had." The migrants were rescued by Aquarius in six separate night-time operations in the central Mediterranean yesterday. The French organisation said that among those saved and brought on board are 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 small children and seven pregnant women. Italy's spat with Malta began after its reported refusal to come to the aid of another rescue ship Seefuchs, which was stranded with 126 migrants on board due to violent seas until it was allowed to dock in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo yesterday.

Europe migrant crisis: Malta rejects Italy's calls to take in rescue ship with 629 migrants

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he will huddle with the leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy to forge a common approach on how to handle Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.

Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday at 10:30 am (1430 GMT), just before the formal start of the summit in La Malbaie.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU president Donald Tusk will also attend, the French leader said.

Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday he will huddle with the leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy to forge a common approach on how to handle Donald Trump at the Group of Seven summit in Canada. Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and new Italian premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday at 10:30 am (1430 GMT), just before the formal start of the summit in La Malbaie. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU president Donald Tusk will also attend, the French leader said.

Macron to meet Britain, Italy, German leaders before G7

Italy's new hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini said&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;that "common sense" was needed to stop the country from being "Europe's refugee camp" as he visited a migrant centre in the south.

The newly minted deputy prime minister in Italy's populist coalition government travelled to Sicily, one of the country's main refugee landing points, to push the anti-immigration platform that propelled him to power.

"Italy and Sicily cannot be Europe's refugee camp," he told a crowd of supporters under the blazing sun in the southern Sicilian town of Pozzallo, a migration hotspot.

"Nobody will take away my certainty that illegal immigration is a business... and seeing people make money on children who go on to die makes me furious," he added.

His comments came as more than 50 migrants drowned in the Mediterranean&nbsp;on Sunday, with 48 bodies found off Tunisia's southern coast and nine Syrians -- including seven children -- killed when their vessel sank off the coast of Turkey.&nbsp;

The port town of Pozzallo is also on the migration front line as one of the main landing points for refugees fleeing war, persecution and famine across North Africa and the Middle East.

A crowd of enthusiastic supporters and a smaller group of protesters had earlier gathered in front of the gates of the town's migrant centre, where Salvini would give his speech, trading insults and nearly coming to blows.

One protester brandished a sign saying "refugees welcome", while a supporter said "we don't want any more pests" and others simply chanted "Matteo, Matteo".

After delivering his speech,&nbsp; Salvini went inside the centre to meet some of the 158 people who had landed in Pozzallo when they were rescued by a humanitarian boat&nbsp;on Friday.

The rescue operation, which was coordinated by the Italian coast guard, happened just hours after Salvini took his oath of office, and said he would ask his ministry's experts "how to reduce the number of arriving migrants and increase the number of expulsions".

"The good times for illegals is over -- get ready to pack your bags," he said&nbsp;on Saturday.

However, while he retained the fighting tone that helped spur his rise to power, he did temper his words when it came to NGOs organising rescues at sea, which he has previously called "smugglers" and accused of complicity with people traffickers.

"I think it's better to spend money in the countries of origin, and now if there are NGOs that want to work for free, that's fine," Salvini said.

The leader of the far-right League party also said the new government would "not take a hard line on immigration but one of common sense".

His fellow deputy prime minister, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement Luigi Di Maio, has also called rescue NGOs "taxis on the sea", although his rhetoric on immigration is more measured than that of the League.

Salvini is on the road seeking to rally support for his party's candidates in municipal elections later this month, as part of a broader effort to boost the traditionally northern party's profile in the country's poorer south.

European Union interior ministers will meet&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;to discuss possible reforms of the EU's controversial Dublin rule, whereby would-be refugees must file for asylum in the first bloc member-state they enter however Salvini said he would not be attending, as he will be in Italy's parliament for a confidence vote on the new coalition with Five Star.&nbsp;

Salvini has condemned the Dublin rule as unfairly burdening Mediterranean countries and leading to "an obvious imbalance in management, numbers and costs".

The accord does heavily penalise Italy, which has seen more than 700,000 migrants arrive since 2013.

Previously, the vast majority would continue their journeys to northern Europe, but the introduction of EU-backed processing centres to ensure migrants are identified at their first European entry point and tighter border controls installed by France, Switzerland and Austria are now creating roadblocks along this well-worn route.

A controversial agreement between Italy's former centre-left government and authorities and militias in Libya has triggered a decline in overall arrivals of some 75 per cent since the summer of 2017.&nbsp;

But so far this year Italian authorities have still registered more than 13,500 arrivals.

The newly minted deputy prime minister in Italy's populist coalition government travelled to Sicily, one of the country's main refugee landing points, to push the anti-immigration platform that propelled him to power

Italy's new hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini said Sunday that "common sense" was needed to stop the country from being "Europe's refugee camp" as he visited a migrant centre in the south. The newly minted deputy prime minister in Italy's populist coalition government travelled to Sicily, one of the country's main refugee landing points, to push the anti-immigration platform that propelled him to power. "Italy and Sicily cannot be Europe's refugee camp," he told a crowd of supporters under the blazing sun in the southern Sicilian town of Pozzallo, a migration hotspot. "Nobody will take away my certainty that illegal immigration is a business... and seeing people make money on children who go on to die makes me furious," he added. His comments came as more than 50 migrants drowned in the Mediterranean on Sunday, with 48 bodies found off Tunisia's southern coast and nine Syrians -- including seven children -- killed when their vessel sank off the coast of Turkey. The port town of Pozzallo is also on the migration front line as one of the main landing points for refugees fleeing war, persecution and famine across North Africa and the Middle East. A crowd of enthusiastic supporters and a smaller group of protesters had earlier gathered in front of the gates of the town's migrant centre, where Salvini would give his speech, trading insults and nearly coming to blows. One protester brandished a sign saying "refugees welcome", while a supporter said "we don't want any more pests" and others simply chanted "Matteo, Matteo". After delivering his speech, Salvini went inside the centre to meet some of the 158 people who had landed in Pozzallo when they were rescued by a humanitarian boat on Friday. The rescue operation, which was coordinated by the Italian coast guard, happened just hours after Salvini took his oath of office, and said he would ask his ministry's experts "how to reduce the number of arriving migrants and increase the number of expulsions". "The good times for illegals is over -- get ready to pack your bags," he said on Saturday. However, while he retained the fighting tone that helped spur his rise to power, he did temper his words when it came to NGOs organising rescues at sea, which he has previously called "smugglers" and accused of complicity with people traffickers. "I think it's better to spend money in the countries of origin, and now if there are NGOs that want to work for free, that's fine," Salvini said. The leader of the far-right League party also said the new government would "not take a hard line on immigration but one of common sense". His fellow deputy prime minister, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement Luigi Di Maio, has also called rescue NGOs "taxis on the sea", although his rhetoric on immigration is more measured than that of the League. Salvini is on the road seeking to rally support for his party's candidates in municipal elections later this month, as part of a broader effort to boost the traditionally northern party's profile in the country's poorer south. European Union interior ministers will meet on Tuesday to discuss possible reforms of the EU's controversial Dublin rule, whereby would-be refugees must file for asylum in the first bloc member-state they enter however Salvini said he would not be attending, as he will be in Italy's parliament for a confidence vote on the new coalition with Five Star. Salvini has condemned the Dublin rule as unfairly burdening Mediterranean countries and leading to "an obvious imbalance in management, numbers and costs". The accord does heavily penalise Italy, which has seen more than 700,000 migrants arrive since 2013. Previously, the vast majority would continue their journeys to northern Europe, but the introduction of EU-backed processing centres to ensure migrants are identified at their first European entry point and tighter border controls installed by France, Switzerland and Austria are now creating roadblocks along this well-worn route. A controversial agreement between Italy's former centre-left government and authorities and militias in Libya has triggered a decline in overall arrivals of some 75 per cent since the summer of 2017. But so far this year Italian authorities have still registered more than 13,500 arrivals.

Italy cannot be 'Europe's refugee camp': Deputy PM Matteo  Salvini

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out debt relief for Italy, saying in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that the principle of solidarity among euro zone member states should not turn the single currency bloc into a debt-sharing union.

In the interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung Merkel also embraced some of French President Emmanuel Macron's ideas for more solidarity in the euro zone and the broader European Union.

She said while cohesion among members of the single currency bloc was important, "solidarity among euro partners should never lead to a debt union, rather it must be about helping others to help themselves."

Merkel made the remarks when asked about a media report that Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League had planned to ask the European Central Bank to forgive 250 billion euros ($296 billion) of Italian debt.

An Italian governing coalition of two parties generally seen as hostile to the euro took power on Friday, calming markets that had been spooked by the possibility of a new election that might have effectively become a referendum on whether to leave the single currency.

"I will approach the new Italian government openly and work with it instead of speculating about its intentions," Merkel told the paper in an interview published on Sunday.

In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines.

Macron wants a future EMF to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis in 2009.

Merkel, who has faced criticism for not responding quickly and clearly to Macron's proposals made in September, said the bailout fund, know as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), was not sufficient to shield the euro zone from crisis.

The EMF would complement other measures to strengthen the euro, including a banking and capital markets union, she said.

Germany has been demanding clarity on parameters for reducing risks in the banking sector before progress can be made toward completing a banking union through a deposit insurance scheme. Merkel did not say if her concerns had been addressed.

"If the whole euro zone is in danger, the EMF must be able to grant long-term credit in order to help countries," Merkel told the paper. "Such loans would be spread over 30 years and be conditioned on sweeping structural reforms."

She added: "In addition I can imagine the possibility of a credit line that is short-term, five years for example. As such, we would be able to take under our wing countries that get into difficulties because of extraordinary circumstances."

Her comments were welcomed by the Social Democrats (SPD), junior coalition partners of her conservative bloc in a right-left coalition that took power earlier this year after an election in September.

"This is very pleasing," SPD leader Andrea Nahles told the ARD public broadcaster. "Those are totally new notes from Mrs. Merkel."

The SPD have been critical of the conservatives' focus on austerity in the euro zone and had pressed Merkel to engage more actively with Macron on his reform proposals.

Merkel also said that a future EMF would be organised on an intergovernmental basis and national parliaments of member countries would have oversight.

Lawmakers from Merkel's conservative bloc have been cold to Macron's proposal, saying they are wary that his call for more solidarity could see German taxpayers' money used to fund profligate member states.

The chancellor also said she backed an investment budget for the euro zone, which would be in the low two-digit billions of euros that would be introduced step by step and evaluated over time to address structural weaknesses of member states.

In another nod to Macron, Merkel said she had a "positive view" of his joint European military intervention force. "In the future we will have to react to the challenges that we are faced with," she said.

Merkel on Saturday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in a phone call on Saturday and invited him for talks in Berlin, her office said.

Conte, a little-known 53-year-old law professor, was sworn in on Friday, ending three months of political deadlock in the wake of inconclusive March 4 elections.

Merkel said she was willing to discuss with the new Italian government ways to boost employment rates among young people in Italy.

In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ruled out debt relief for Italy, saying in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that the principle of solidarity among euro zone member states should not turn the single currency bloc into a debt-sharing union. In the interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung Merkel also embraced some of French President Emmanuel Macron's ideas for more solidarity in the euro zone and the broader European Union. She said while cohesion among members of the single currency bloc was important, "solidarity among euro partners should never lead to a debt union, rather it must be about helping others to help themselves." Merkel made the remarks when asked about a media report that Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League had planned to ask the European Central Bank to forgive 250 billion euros ($296 billion) of Italian debt. An Italian governing coalition of two parties generally seen as hostile to the euro took power on Friday, calming markets that had been spooked by the possibility of a new election that might have effectively become a referendum on whether to leave the single currency. "I will approach the new Italian government openly and work with it instead of speculating about its intentions," Merkel told the paper in an interview published on Sunday. In her most detailed comments on Macron's vision, Merkel supported the idea of turning the euro zone's ESM rescue fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF) with powers to give members hit by sovereign debt troubles short-term credit lines. Macron wants a future EMF to act as a buffer in any future financial crises in the bloc, which was nearly torn apart in a debt crisis in 2009. Merkel, who has faced criticism for not responding quickly and clearly to Macron's proposals made in September, said the bailout fund, know as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), was not sufficient to shield the euro zone from crisis. The EMF would complement other measures to strengthen the euro, including a banking and capital markets union, she said. Germany has been demanding clarity on parameters for reducing risks in the banking sector before progress can be made toward completing a banking union through a deposit insurance scheme. Merkel did not say if her concerns had been addressed. "If the whole euro zone is in danger, the EMF must be able to grant long-term credit in order to help countries," Merkel told the paper. "Such loans would be spread over 30 years and be conditioned on sweeping structural reforms." She added: "In addition I can imagine the possibility of a credit line that is short-term, five years for example. As such, we would be able to take under our wing countries that get into difficulties because of extraordinary circumstances." Her comments were welcomed by the Social Democrats (SPD), junior coalition partners of her conservative bloc in a right-left coalition that took power earlier this year after an election in September. "This is very pleasing," SPD leader Andrea Nahles told the ARD public broadcaster. "Those are totally new notes from Mrs. Merkel." The SPD have been critical of the conservatives' focus on austerity in the euro zone and had pressed Merkel to engage more actively with Macron on his reform proposals. Merkel also said that a future EMF would be organised on an intergovernmental basis and national parliaments of member countries would have oversight. Lawmakers from Merkel's conservative bloc have been cold to Macron's proposal, saying they are wary that his call for more solidarity could see German taxpayers' money used to fund profligate member states. The chancellor also said she backed an investment budget for the euro zone, which would be in the low two-digit billions of euros that would be introduced step by step and evaluated over time to address structural weaknesses of member states. In another nod to Macron, Merkel said she had a "positive view" of his joint European military intervention force. "In the future we will have to react to the challenges that we are faced with," she said. Merkel on Saturday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in a phone call on Saturday and invited him for talks in Berlin, her office said. Conte, a little-known 53-year-old law professor, was sworn in on Friday, ending three months of political deadlock in the wake of inconclusive March 4 elections. Merkel said she was willing to discuss with the new Italian government ways to boost employment rates among young people in Italy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel rules out debt relief for Italy

Italy's new anti-establishment government will change the labour reform introduced by the previous administration, Labour and Industry Minister Luigi di Maio said.

The legislation introduced in 2015 eased firing restrictions for large companies, while offering generous, temporary fiscal incentives for firms that hired permanent workers on new, less protected terms.

Italy's government was finally sworn in on Friday, ending months of political turmoil and the threat of a repeat election. But investors remain nervous, since the coalition promises to increase spending, slash taxes and challenge European Union fiscal rules, which would add to&nbspItaly's debt pile.

"People not only don't have any (job) security to get married, they don't even have any (job) security to book their holidays," Di Maio, 5-Star Movement's leader said in a Facebook post. Di Maio was appointed as deputy prime minister and head of the newly merged labour and industry ministry.

Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pushed through the so-called Jobs Act in 2015, promising it would crate jobs and end a situation where the vast majority of young people were employed via insecure short-term contracts.

While the formation of a new coalition government in&nbspItaly&nbspmay help to stabilize markets rattled by weeks of uncertainty, this does not signal an end to&nbspItaly's economic woes.

A slew of old problems such as stifling bureaucracy and deep-rooted corruption has made it difficult for&nbspItaly&nbspto pull out of its political and economic crisis.

"We have had a very big decline in investment in the last 10 years so we could not succeed in making reforms in&nbspItaly. We have a lot of problems from the labor market and also we have problems with productivity growth," said Umberto Triulzi, an economics professor at Sapienza University in Rome.

Most alarming is&nbspItaly's national debt which is nearly 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars.

As a member of the European Union, Brussels has placed strict and unfavorable austerity measures on the country to stop it from defaulting.

Italy's public debt now stands at around 132 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), more than double of the 60-percent limit set by the EU.

"We have to reduce the debt ratio, the bill, which is today 132 percent over the bill, up to 60 percent. So we are obliged in the next 20 years to reduce by 120 percent the debt ratio in the 20 years. So it's very heavy and the austerity doesn't help us to grow, because we cannot invest because we are too much in debt," said Triulzi.

Over the past nine years,&nbspItaly's annual economic growth has struggled to reach one percent, while its unemployment rate hovers around 11 percent.

The legislation introduced in 2015 eased firing restrictions for large companies, while offering generous, temporary fiscal incentives for firms that hired permanent workers on new, less protected terms

Italy's new anti-establishment government will change the labour reform introduced by the previous administration, Labour and Industry Minister Luigi di Maio said. The legislation introduced in 2015 eased firing restrictions for large companies, while offering generous, temporary fiscal incentives for firms that hired permanent workers on new, less protected terms. Italy's government was finally sworn in on Friday, ending months of political turmoil and the threat of a repeat election. But investors remain nervous, since the coalition promises to increase spending, slash taxes and challenge European Union fiscal rules, which would add to&nbspItaly's debt pile. "People not only don't have any (job) security to get married, they don't even have any (job) security to book their holidays," Di Maio, 5-Star Movement's leader said in a Facebook post. Di Maio was appointed as deputy prime minister and head of the newly merged labour and industry ministry. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pushed through the so-called Jobs Act in 2015, promising it would crate jobs and end a situation where the vast majority of young people were employed via insecure short-term contracts. While the formation of a new coalition government in&nbspItaly&nbspmay help to stabilize markets rattled by weeks of uncertainty, this does not signal an end to&nbspItaly's economic woes. A slew of old problems such as stifling bureaucracy and deep-rooted corruption has made it difficult for&nbspItaly&nbspto pull out of its political and economic crisis. "We have had a very big decline in investment in the last 10 years so we could not succeed in making reforms in&nbspItaly. We have a lot of problems from the labor market and also we have problems with productivity growth," said Umberto Triulzi, an economics professor at Sapienza University in Rome. Most alarming is&nbspItaly's national debt which is nearly 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars. As a member of the European Union, Brussels has placed strict and unfavorable austerity measures on the country to stop it from defaulting. Italy's public debt now stands at around 132 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), more than double of the 60-percent limit set by the EU. "We have to reduce the debt ratio, the bill, which is today 132 percent over the bill, up to 60 percent. So we are obliged in the next 20 years to reduce by 120 percent the debt ratio in the 20 years. So it's very heavy and the austerity doesn't help us to grow, because we cannot invest because we are too much in debt," said Triulzi. Over the past nine years,&nbspItaly's annual economic growth has struggled to reach one percent, while its unemployment rate hovers around 11 percent.

Italy's new government will overhaul Renzi labour reform, minister says

Italy's populist parties will be sworn into power&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;in Rome after they reached a new coalition deal, narrowly avoiding snap elections and setting in motion an anti-austerity government in the eurozone's third largest economy.

On Thursday&nbsp;evening President Sergio Mattarella gave a mandate for the second time to Giuseppe Conte -- the populists' pick for prime minister.&nbsp;

Italy has been in the throes of political uncertainty for almost three months after inconclusive March elections, rocking financial markets and spreading unease among its euro partners.

Conte -- a little-known lawyer and political novice -- announced his picks for the country's future cabinet after meeting with Mattarella.&nbsp;

From the coalition, far-right League leader Matteo Salvini was named interior minister while Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio is slated to become minister for economic development.

Paolo Savona, the eurosceptic economist who the populist coalition originally wanted for the economy minister but rejected by Mattarella, is still part of the cabinet as European Affairs minister.

The role of the economy minister was given to the less controversial Giovanni Tria, a political economist&nbsp;who advocates slashing taxes but is in favour of keeping Italy in the euro.

Brussels savvy Enzo Moavero Milanesi was appointed minister of foreign affairs.

Of 18 ministers in the cabinet, only five are women.&nbsp;

According to Italian media, the populist line-up will face a vote of confidence in both houses of parliament&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;or&nbsp;Tuesday.

"Without promising any miracles, I can say that, after the first months of this government of change, I would like us to have a country with a little less tax and a little more security, a few more jobs and a few less illegal immigrants," said a gleeful Salvini at a rally after the announcement.

Just forty-eight hours ago Italy had looked to be on course for snap elections after coalition talks between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League collapsed over the weekend.

Mattarella vetoed the populist coalition's anti-euro choice for economy minister Savona, causing the two populist parties to abandon their joint bid for power.

Mattarella then asked pro-austerity economist Carlo Cottarelli to form a caretaker government.

Fresh elections seemed like the most likely outcome, however, after it became clear Cottarelli's government would not pass a vote of confidence in parliament.&nbsp;

In a surprise twist to Italy's drawn-out political saga, Five Star and the League frantically re-engaged in talks to get their coalition back on track&nbsp;Thursday, and emerged triumphant.

"All the conditions have been met for an M5S-League government," said the party leaders in a joint statement sent by the Five Star Movement.

In light of the populists' successful talks, Cottarelli announced&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;that he was giving up his mandate to form a technocrat government.

"The formation of a political government is by far the best solution for the country because it avoids the uncertainty that would arise with new elections," said Cottarelli after meeting with Mattarella.

The programme proposed by the populists promises to revive Italy's sluggish economy by rejecting austerity and increasing spending.&nbsp;

Their ambitious economic proposals -- &nbsp;which include a universal basic income for Italy's poorest, rolling back pension reform and a two-tier flat tax -- have worried Brussels and financial markets given the country's sizeable debt. &nbsp;

Italy's 2.3 trillion euros of debt is 132 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), the highest ratio in Europe apart from Greece and more than double the bloc's 60-per cent ceiling.

The government programme includes plans to speed up expulsions of illegal immigrants and crack down on trafficking.

The eurosceptic coalition also promises a series of measures to reign in the EU including renegotiation of EU treaties and a review of the bloc's economic governance on issues such as the single currency.

But&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned against blaming the EU for all of Italy's problems.

"I'm in deep love with Italy, Bella Italia. But I no longer accept that everything which is going wrong in South of Italy, in Mezzogiorno, is explained by the fact that the EU or the European Commission would not do enough," he said after leaving a meeting in Brussels.&nbsp;

"Italians have to take care of the poor regions of Italy. That means more work, less corruption, seriousness."&nbsp;

He urged Italy not to "play this game" of holding the EU responsible, adding "Nations first, Europe second."

Italy has been in the throes of political uncertainty for almost three months after inconclusive March elections

Italy's populist parties will be sworn into power on Friday in Rome after they reached a new coalition deal, narrowly avoiding snap elections and setting in motion an anti-austerity government in the eurozone's third largest economy. On Thursday evening President Sergio Mattarella gave a mandate for the second time to Giuseppe Conte -- the populists' pick for prime minister. Italy has been in the throes of political uncertainty for almost three months after inconclusive March elections, rocking financial markets and spreading unease among its euro partners. Conte -- a little-known lawyer and political novice -- announced his picks for the country's future cabinet after meeting with Mattarella. From the coalition, far-right League leader Matteo Salvini was named interior minister while Five Star Movement leader Luigi Di Maio is slated to become minister for economic development. Paolo Savona, the eurosceptic economist who the populist coalition originally wanted for the economy minister but rejected by Mattarella, is still part of the cabinet as European Affairs minister. The role of the economy minister was given to the less controversial Giovanni Tria, a political economist who advocates slashing taxes but is in favour of keeping Italy in the euro. Brussels savvy Enzo Moavero Milanesi was appointed minister of foreign affairs. Of 18 ministers in the cabinet, only five are women. According to Italian media, the populist line-up will face a vote of confidence in both houses of parliament on Monday or Tuesday. "Without promising any miracles, I can say that, after the first months of this government of change, I would like us to have a country with a little less tax and a little more security, a few more jobs and a few less illegal immigrants," said a gleeful Salvini at a rally after the announcement. Just forty-eight hours ago Italy had looked to be on course for snap elections after coalition talks between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League collapsed over the weekend. Mattarella vetoed the populist coalition's anti-euro choice for economy minister Savona, causing the two populist parties to abandon their joint bid for power. Mattarella then asked pro-austerity economist Carlo Cottarelli to form a caretaker government. Fresh elections seemed like the most likely outcome, however, after it became clear Cottarelli's government would not pass a vote of confidence in parliament. In a surprise twist to Italy's drawn-out political saga, Five Star and the League frantically re-engaged in talks to get their coalition back on track Thursday, and emerged triumphant. "All the conditions have been met for an M5S-League government," said the party leaders in a joint statement sent by the Five Star Movement. In light of the populists' successful talks, Cottarelli announced Thursday that he was giving up his mandate to form a technocrat government. "The formation of a political government is by far the best solution for the country because it avoids the uncertainty that would arise with new elections," said Cottarelli after meeting with Mattarella. The programme proposed by the populists promises to revive Italy's sluggish economy by rejecting austerity and increasing spending. Their ambitious economic proposals -- which include a universal basic income for Italy's poorest, rolling back pension reform and a two-tier flat tax -- have worried Brussels and financial markets given the country's sizeable debt. Italy's 2.3 trillion euros of debt is 132 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), the highest ratio in Europe apart from Greece and more than double the bloc's 60-per cent ceiling. The government programme includes plans to speed up expulsions of illegal immigrants and crack down on trafficking. The eurosceptic coalition also promises a series of measures to reign in the EU including renegotiation of EU treaties and a review of the bloc's economic governance on issues such as the single currency. But on Thursday EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned against blaming the EU for all of Italy's problems. "I'm in deep love with Italy, Bella Italia. But I no longer accept that everything which is going wrong in South of Italy, in Mezzogiorno, is explained by the fact that the EU or the European Commission would not do enough," he said after leaving a meeting in Brussels. "Italians have to take care of the poor regions of Italy. That means more work, less corruption, seriousness." He urged Italy not to "play this game" of holding the EU responsible, adding "Nations first, Europe second."

Italian populists reach last-ditch deal to take power

Crisis-stricken Italy should work to resolve its current political crisis while staying within the eurozone, a senior US Treasury official said Tuesday.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is due to meet later this week with his counterparts at a Group of Seven ministerial meeting in British Columbia, Canada, an event sure to be dominated by the Italian crisis and Washington's multi-front trade disputes with major economies.

A power struggle between Italy's presidency and populist parties on Tuesday shook global markets and called the country's continued membership in the European single currency into question.

"I think it would be better if they were to work things out within the eurozone without making significant changes there and certainly the Italians have to opportunity to do that," a senior US Treasury official told reporters in a briefing before the ministerial meeting.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity under Treasury Department ground rules, said the department was monitoring developments closely but saw no immediate danger to the stability of the wider financial system.

"At this point, no, I don't see any systemic impact," he said.

 
&nbsp

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is due to meet later this week with his counterparts at a Group of Seven ministerial meeting in British Columbia, Canada

Crisis-stricken Italy should work to resolve its current political crisis while staying within the eurozone, a senior US Treasury official said Tuesday. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is due to meet later this week with his counterparts at a Group of Seven ministerial meeting in British Columbia, Canada, an event sure to be dominated by the Italian crisis and Washington's multi-front trade disputes with major economies. A power struggle between Italy's presidency and populist parties on Tuesday shook global markets and called the country's continued membership in the European single currency into question. "I think it would be better if they were to work things out within the eurozone without making significant changes there and certainly the Italians have to opportunity to do that," a senior US Treasury official told reporters in a briefing before the ministerial meeting. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity under Treasury Department ground rules, said the department was monitoring developments closely but saw no immediate danger to the stability of the wider financial system. "At this point, no, I don't see any systemic impact," he said.

Italy should remain in eurozone: US Treasury

Italy searched for a last-minute exit from almost three months of political turmoil on Wednesday, with its biggest party looking to make a renewed attempt to form a coalition government with the right-wing League, a source said.

The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup.

President Sergio Mattarella's veto of 81-year-old eurosceptic Paolo Savona as economy minister appeared to tip the country back towards repeat elections and triggered a dramatic speculative attack on Italian financial markets.

The parties are now trying to find "a point of compromise on another name" for the economy ministry, said the source close to 5-Star, the single-biggest party in the new parliament.

The sense that a resolution of the stalemate might be at hand came from Prime Minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli, who was tasked by the head of state this week to calm the turmoil and plan for repeat elections after the summer.

"New possibilities have emerged for the birth of a political government," Cottarelli was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency, implying that a government headed by politicians rather than technocrats like himself could be in the offing.

"These circumstances, also considering the market tensions, have caused me to wait for further developments."

However, League leader Matteo Salvini, who is surging in opinion polls, appeared to throw cold water on the notion that his party and 5-Star could try again to take power, saying Italy should return to an election as soon as possible.

"The earlier we vote the better because it's the best way to get out of this quagmire and confusion," Salvini told reporters.

He did, however, appear open to an interim administration to govern for a few months, saying an election at the end of July would be "disruptive" for Italian seasonal workers.

He invited Mattarella to make the first move, to "explain to us how we can get out of this situation". A League source said the party would not block any quick political solution that would enable Italy to deal with possible "emergencies".

Currently, Prime Minister-designate Cottarelli has no major parliamentary support for a stopgap government of technocrats.

Despite the softer tone from 5-Star and hopeful remarks from Cottarelli, a top adviser to Salvini said the League was not prepared to abandon Savona, the sole obstacle to the League and 5-Star winning the president's blessing for a coalition.

"If it wasn't possible three days ago, then it's hard to see why it would be now," Giancarlo Giorgetti was quoted as saying to online news site Il Fatto Quotidiano.

A surprise breakthrough between the president and 5-Star/League would ease uncertainty but still usher in a coalition planning to ramp up spending in the heavily indebted nation and push for changes to European Union and euro-zone fiscal rules.

In the event of continued stalemate, Italy will go back to elections, with most major parties calling for the president to dissolve parliament and hold a vote as soon as July 29.

A new opinion poll showed the League, which argues that fiscal rules governing the euro zone are "enslaving" Italians, would boost its share of the vote to a quarter, from around 17 percent on March 4.

The IPSOS poll, in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, showed support for the League's would-be coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, steady at about 32.6 percent -- implying a much more comfortable majority if the pair were to try again to govern.

That prospect has rocked financial markets, with the euro sinking to multi-month lows on fears that snap elections would lead to a eurosceptic government in Rome.

Italian government bonds, which suffered one of its most dramatic speculative attacks in years on Tuesday, found some support from local investors on Wednesday.

The yield on 10-year bonds edged away from four-year highs and two-year yields, the focus of earlier attacks, also fell.

Shares in Italian banks also recovered a little ground after five straight days of losses.

The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup

Italy searched for a last-minute exit from almost three months of political turmoil on Wednesday, with its biggest party looking to make a renewed attempt to form a coalition government with the right-wing League, a source said. The two anti-establishment parties, the 5-Star Movement and League, had abandoned plans to jointly take power at the weekend after the president blocked their proposed cabinet lineup. President Sergio Mattarella's veto of 81-year-old eurosceptic Paolo Savona as economy minister appeared to tip the country back towards repeat elections and triggered a dramatic speculative attack on Italian financial markets. The parties are now trying to find "a point of compromise on another name" for the economy ministry, said the source close to 5-Star, the single-biggest party in the new parliament. The sense that a resolution of the stalemate might be at hand came from Prime Minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli, who was tasked by the head of state this week to calm the turmoil and plan for repeat elections after the summer. "New possibilities have emerged for the birth of a political government," Cottarelli was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency, implying that a government headed by politicians rather than technocrats like himself could be in the offing. "These circumstances, also considering the market tensions, have caused me to wait for further developments." However, League leader Matteo Salvini, who is surging in opinion polls, appeared to throw cold water on the notion that his party and 5-Star could try again to take power, saying Italy should return to an election as soon as possible. "The earlier we vote the better because it's the best way to get out of this quagmire and confusion," Salvini told reporters. He did, however, appear open to an interim administration to govern for a few months, saying an election at the end of July would be "disruptive" for Italian seasonal workers. He invited Mattarella to make the first move, to "explain to us how we can get out of this situation". A League source said the party would not block any quick political solution that would enable Italy to deal with possible "emergencies". Currently, Prime Minister-designate Cottarelli has no major parliamentary support for a stopgap government of technocrats. Despite the softer tone from 5-Star and hopeful remarks from Cottarelli, a top adviser to Salvini said the League was not prepared to abandon Savona, the sole obstacle to the League and 5-Star winning the president's blessing for a coalition. "If it wasn't possible three days ago, then it's hard to see why it would be now," Giancarlo Giorgetti was quoted as saying to online news site Il Fatto Quotidiano. A surprise breakthrough between the president and 5-Star/League would ease uncertainty but still usher in a coalition planning to ramp up spending in the heavily indebted nation and push for changes to European Union and euro-zone fiscal rules. In the event of continued stalemate, Italy will go back to elections, with most major parties calling for the president to dissolve parliament and hold a vote as soon as July 29. A new opinion poll showed the League, which argues that fiscal rules governing the euro zone are "enslaving" Italians, would boost its share of the vote to a quarter, from around 17 percent on March 4. The IPSOS poll, in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, showed support for the League's would-be coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, steady at about 32.6 percent -- implying a much more comfortable majority if the pair were to try again to govern. That prospect has rocked financial markets, with the euro sinking to multi-month lows on fears that snap elections would lead to a eurosceptic government in Rome. Italian government bonds, which suffered one of its most dramatic speculative attacks in years on Tuesday, found some support from local investors on Wednesday. The yield on 10-year bonds edged away from four-year highs and two-year yields, the focus of earlier attacks, also fell. Shares in Italian banks also recovered a little ground after five straight days of losses.

Italy renews attempt to form a government and end turmoil

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said Monday he would hold an election by the start of 2019 at the latest after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella.

“I’ll present myself to parliament with a programme which - if it wins the backing of parliament - would include the approval of the 2019 budget. Then parliament would be dissolved with elections at the beginning of 2019,” Cottarelli said shortly after being named interim prime minister by Italy’s president.

“In the absence of (parliament’s) confidence, the government would resign immediately and its main function would be the management of ordinary affairs until elections are held after the month of August,” Cottarelli added. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, editing by Giulia Segreti)

But he added that if, as is likely, his government is not approved by parliament, new elections will be held "after August".

The decision to appoint Carlo Cottarelli to form a stopgap administration sets the stage for elections that are likely to be fought over Italy’s role in the European Union and the euro zone, a prospect that is rattling global financial markets.

The euro zone’s third-largest economy has been seeking a new government since inconclusive March elections, with anti-establishment forces abandoning their efforts to form a ruling coalition at the weekend after a standoff with the president.

President Sergio Mattarella had vetoed the parties’ choice of a eurosceptic as economy minister, prompting the Five Star Movement and far-right League party to accuse the president of betraying voters and to drop their plan to take power.

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said he will hold elections after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella

Italy's new prime minister-designate Carlo Cottarelli said Monday he would hold an election by the start of 2019 at the latest after being given the mandate to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella. “I’ll present myself to parliament with a programme which - if it wins the backing of parliament - would include the approval of the 2019 budget. Then parliament would be dissolved with elections at the beginning of 2019,” Cottarelli said shortly after being named interim prime minister by Italy’s president. “In the absence of (parliament’s) confidence, the government would resign immediately and its main function would be the management of ordinary affairs until elections are held after the month of August,” Cottarelli added. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, editing by Giulia Segreti) But he added that if, as is likely, his government is not approved by parliament, new elections will be held "after August". The decision to appoint Carlo Cottarelli to form a stopgap administration sets the stage for elections that are likely to be fought over Italy’s role in the European Union and the euro zone, a prospect that is rattling global financial markets. The euro zone’s third-largest economy has been seeking a new government since inconclusive March elections, with anti-establishment forces abandoning their efforts to form a ruling coalition at the weekend after a standoff with the president. President Sergio Mattarella had vetoed the parties’ choice of a eurosceptic as economy minister, prompting the Five Star Movement and far-right League party to accuse the president of betraying voters and to drop their plan to take power.

Fresh Italy election by 'start of 2019': New PM-designate

A baby boy named&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;has been born on board a humanitarian ship - a bright spot as the tide of migrants risking sea crossings from Libya to Italy has increased as the weather has improved.

There have been more than 1,800 migrants rescued by humanitarian ships, and Italy's navy and coastguard vessels over the past three days, and one body was recovered, an Italian coastguard official said.

Arrivals from Libya, a staging post for people smugglers, have plummeted 85 per cent this year from last as Italy provided support to the Libyan coastguard and to municipalities along the coast to stop migrant boats.

But good weather or other factors seem to have reversed that trend, for now.

"It's really hard to know what's happening inside Libya, or why the Libyan coastguard has not been so active in these last few days," said Lauren King, a spokeswoman from the Aquarius, the ship baby&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;was born aboard.

The Aquarius is a rescue ship run by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), which brought ashore 70 migrants in Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. The Aquarius is setting off again later in the day for the waters off the coast of Libya.

"Given the weather conditions ... It's better we're out there and ready," she said.

On Saturday, the leader of the far-right League party, which appears poised to form a coalition government with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, said that the surge in arrivals meant someone was trying to undermine the would-be administration.

"The usual powers that be are threatening us with the migrant boats," Matteo Salvini Tweeted.

The League has promised to take a hard line on irregular immigration and deport hundreds of thousands of migrants if the government receives the president's endorsement and wins parliament's backing.

Migrants rescued by the Aquarius spoke of horrific conditions and violence in Libya, including the mother of the baby born on Saturday.

"Both the mother and baby are doing very well," Amoin Soulemane, the midwife on the Aquarius, said in a statement.&nbsp;Miracle, weighing 2.8 kg, was the sixth baby born on the rescue ship, but the first this year, King said.

When&nbsp;Miracle&nbsp;was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing -- a far cry from the conditions they said they had came from in Libya.

The mother, whose name was not given, told MSF she had been "held captive, beaten, given very little food and extorted for money for release" during the year she was in Libya.

She was eventually able to escape from her captors, and on Thursday she set out to sea on a rubber boat with 68 others.

When Miracle was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing

A baby boy named Miracle has been born on board a humanitarian ship - a bright spot as the tide of migrants risking sea crossings from Libya to Italy has increased as the weather has improved. There have been more than 1,800 migrants rescued by humanitarian ships, and Italy's navy and coastguard vessels over the past three days, and one body was recovered, an Italian coastguard official said. Arrivals from Libya, a staging post for people smugglers, have plummeted 85 per cent this year from last as Italy provided support to the Libyan coastguard and to municipalities along the coast to stop migrant boats. But good weather or other factors seem to have reversed that trend, for now. "It's really hard to know what's happening inside Libya, or why the Libyan coastguard has not been so active in these last few days," said Lauren King, a spokeswoman from the Aquarius, the ship baby Miracle was born aboard. The Aquarius is a rescue ship run by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), which brought ashore 70 migrants in Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. The Aquarius is setting off again later in the day for the waters off the coast of Libya. "Given the weather conditions ... It's better we're out there and ready," she said. On Saturday, the leader of the far-right League party, which appears poised to form a coalition government with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, said that the surge in arrivals meant someone was trying to undermine the would-be administration. "The usual powers that be are threatening us with the migrant boats," Matteo Salvini Tweeted. The League has promised to take a hard line on irregular immigration and deport hundreds of thousands of migrants if the government receives the president's endorsement and wins parliament's backing. Migrants rescued by the Aquarius spoke of horrific conditions and violence in Libya, including the mother of the baby born on Saturday. "Both the mother and baby are doing very well," Amoin Soulemane, the midwife on the Aquarius, said in a statement. Miracle, weighing 2.8 kg, was the sixth baby born on the rescue ship, but the first this year, King said. When Miracle was brought onto deck by the midwife, the migrants on board celebrated his birth by singing and dancing -- a far cry from the conditions they said they had came from in Libya. The mother, whose name was not given, told MSF she had been "held captive, beaten, given very little food and extorted for money for release" during the year she was in Libya. She was eventually able to escape from her captors, and on Thursday she set out to sea on a rubber boat with 68 others.

Baby 'Miracle' born on rescue ship as Italy arrivals surge

Kiev has attracted a wave of negative publicity due to the problems faced by supporters wanting to get there for Saturday's Champions League final, but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists it will always have a place in his heart.

Fans of Madrid and Liverpool have had their plans for attending the game thrown into turmoil, with some hotels cancelling previously-made bookings to put the same rooms up for sale at exorbitant rates.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed that 1,000 Real supporters had handed back their tickets because it had become too expensive to get to the Ukrainian capital.

But Ramos is returning to the city, and to the same Olympic Stadium, where he won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy.

"The truth is that Ukraine is a special place for me and brings back great memories," he told media on Friday ahead of the game.

"With Spain we became European champions in this city and this country. It is always gratifying to return to such a place."

Both teams had been given an initial allocation of around 17,000 tickets for the game, with Real hoping to win the Champions League for the third year in succession.

"It is true that due to the distance and the cost a lot of Spaniards have not been able to come, but we must not disregard countries that are harder to get to," Ramos added.

Since co-hosting Euro 2012 with Poland, Ukraine has seen Russia annex the Crimean peninsula, while Russian-backed rebels seized two eastern industrial regions.

And in 2014, president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and fled to Russia after the pro-European Maidan revolution.&nbsp

"Some might have been thankful if it were somewhere closer that would make it easier to get to for those who don't have the salary to pay for a ticket, a flight, or a hotel room," Ramos said.

"But if this helps Ukraine bounce back as a country that would be great."

In 2012, at Olympic Stadium, Sergio Ramos won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy

Kiev has attracted a wave of negative publicity due to the problems faced by supporters wanting to get there for Saturday's Champions League final, but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists it will always have a place in his heart. Fans of Madrid and Liverpool have had their plans for attending the game thrown into turmoil, with some hotels cancelling previously-made bookings to put the same rooms up for sale at exorbitant rates. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed that 1,000 Real supporters had handed back their tickets because it had become too expensive to get to the Ukrainian capital. But Ramos is returning to the city, and to the same Olympic Stadium, where he won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy. "The truth is that Ukraine is a special place for me and brings back great memories," he told media on Friday ahead of the game. "With Spain we became European champions in this city and this country. It is always gratifying to return to such a place." Both teams had been given an initial allocation of around 17,000 tickets for the game, with Real hoping to win the Champions League for the third year in succession. "It is true that due to the distance and the cost a lot of Spaniards have not been able to come, but we must not disregard countries that are harder to get to," Ramos added. Since co-hosting Euro 2012 with Poland, Ukraine has seen Russia annex the Crimean peninsula, while Russian-backed rebels seized two eastern industrial regions. And in 2014, president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and fled to Russia after the pro-European Maidan revolution. "Some might have been thankful if it were somewhere closer that would make it easier to get to for those who don't have the salary to pay for a ticket, a flight, or a hotel room," Ramos said. "But if this helps Ukraine bounce back as a country that would be great."

Kiyv has special place in heart, says Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos

Two people were killed and many others injured after a train derailed in the north of Italy close to Turin, Italian media said.

The incident occured late Wednesday when the train hit a large truck that had stopped on a level crossing, causing three carriages to come off the rails, according to television footage.

"At 11.20 pm (2120 GMT) the regional train 10027 Turin-Ivrea hit a heavy goods vehicle that had stopped on a functioning level crossing after crashing through the barriers," RFI, which manages Italy's rail network, said in a statement.

"According to early information, the driver of the train was killed and many other passengers have been injured," the statement added.

According to the AGI news agency, the second victim was taken to a Turin hospital by helicopter with severe injuries but he did not survive.

Another passenger, a woman, is in a serious condition after sustaining a head injury but she remains conscious, AGI reported.

According to La Stampa newspaper, witnesses said the vehicle, which was registered in Lithuania, looked to be a particularly large and heavy truck.

The van that was in front of it passed safely through the level crossing but when the barriers started to come down, the vehicle failed to brake in time and came to a stop on the tracks, the newspaper said.

According to La Stampa newspaper, witnesses said the vehicle, which was registered in Lithuania, looked to be a particularly large and heavy truck

Two people were killed and many others injured after a train derailed in the north of Italy close to Turin, Italian media said. The incident occured late Wednesday when the train hit a large truck that had stopped on a level crossing, causing three carriages to come off the rails, according to television footage. "At 11.20 pm (2120 GMT) the regional train 10027 Turin-Ivrea hit a heavy goods vehicle that had stopped on a functioning level crossing after crashing through the barriers," RFI, which manages Italy's rail network, said in a statement. "According to early information, the driver of the train was killed and many other passengers have been injured," the statement added. According to the AGI news agency, the second victim was taken to a Turin hospital by helicopter with severe injuries but he did not survive. Another passenger, a woman, is in a serious condition after sustaining a head injury but she remains conscious, AGI reported. According to La Stampa newspaper, witnesses said the vehicle, which was registered in Lithuania, looked to be a particularly large and heavy truck. The van that was in front of it passed safely through the level crossing but when the barriers started to come down, the vehicle failed to brake in time and came to a stop on the tracks, the newspaper said.

Train hits truck in Italy; 2 dead, several injured

Italy's president Wednesday summoned Giuseppe Conte as he prepared to announce whether he will appoint the little-known lawyer to lead a government formed by far-right and anti-establishment groups.

Italian media said claims that Conte had exaggerated his CV had delayed President Sergio Mattarella's decision on whether to approve him as premier.

Media also reported there were worries over the choice of an anti-euro economy minister by the parties, whose combative stance towards Brussels has caused fears for European financial stability.

But Mattarella's office later said Conte was summoned to the presidential palace at 1530 GMT.

The anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the anti-immigrant League nominated Conte, 54, for premier on Monday. But scandal soon struck over doubts about his claims to have studied at certain top world universities.

"Conte betrayed by his CV," ran a headline in left-leaning newspaper La Republicca.

"The CV affair is open, Conte is hanging in the balance," said Corriere della Sera.

The parties are seeking to form a coalition government in a bid to end two months of political deadlock following March's inconclusive general election.

Mattarella must agree to the parties' candidate and ministerial team before they can seek approval for the new government in parliament.

- CV controversy - 
Conte's official CV says that he "furthered his juridical studies" at Yale, New York University (NYU), Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, the Sorbonne and Cambridge, but some entries have been called into question.

NYU told AFP that their records did not "reflect Giuseppe Conte having been at the University as a student or having an appointment as a faculty member". It said he was granted permission to conduct research in the institution's law library between 2008 and 2014.

Cambridge University declined to give details about Conte.

Duquesne University told AFP he attended as part of an affiliation with Villa Nazareth, an exchange programme, and did legal research but "was not enrolled as a student".

Conte has yet to speak out publicly about the affair.

Five Star has defended him as its choice to head a cabinet in which M5S leader Luigi Di Maio and League chief Matteo Salvini are tipped to hold key posts.

"Conte is and absolutely remains Five Star and the League's prime ministerial candidate," state news agency ANSA quoted Di Maio as saying on Wednesday.

Salvini meanwhile defended the coalition's eurosceptic candidate for economy minister, Paolo Savona.

Minister for industry between 1993-94, Savona was staunchly opposed to the signing of the Maastricht Treaty and considers the euro a "German cage".

"He is an expert with a solid background of studies but made the mistake of daring to say that the EU as it is isn't working," Salvini said.

"Why do you even bother to let us vote if when the people ask for radical change you tell us to be careful?"

European officials have expressed worry that Italy could trigger a new eurozone crisis by refusing to stick to public spending and debt targets set by Brussels.

EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Wednesday that Italy must deliver a "credible" response on how it will reduce debt.

Italy has one of the eurozone's highest levels of government debt and lowest growth rates.

More than eight percent of its population lives in poverty, according to national statistics agency Istat.

Di Maio and Salvini's government programme pledges tax cuts and increased welfare spending to boost growth.

It also plans to speed up expulsions of illegal immigrants.

On Tuesday Salvini said there would have to be new elections if the coalition government was not given the go-ahead by Mattarella.

"Either we start and we begin the change or we may as well go back to the polls," he said in a live video on Facebook.

Cambridge University declined to give details about Conte.

Italy's president Wednesday summoned Giuseppe Conte as he prepared to announce whether he will appoint the little-known lawyer to lead a government formed by far-right and anti-establishment groups. Italian media said claims that Conte had exaggerated his CV had delayed President Sergio Mattarella's decision on whether to approve him as premier. Media also reported there were worries over the choice of an anti-euro economy minister by the parties, whose combative stance towards Brussels has caused fears for European financial stability. But Mattarella's office later said Conte was summoned to the presidential palace at 1530 GMT. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the anti-immigrant League nominated Conte, 54, for premier on Monday. But scandal soon struck over doubts about his claims to have studied at certain top world universities. "Conte betrayed by his CV," ran a headline in left-leaning newspaper La Republicca. "The CV affair is open, Conte is hanging in the balance," said Corriere della Sera. The parties are seeking to form a coalition government in a bid to end two months of political deadlock following March's inconclusive general election. Mattarella must agree to the parties' candidate and ministerial team before they can seek approval for the new government in parliament. - CV controversy - Conte's official CV says that he "furthered his juridical studies" at Yale, New York University (NYU), Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, the Sorbonne and Cambridge, but some entries have been called into question. NYU told AFP that their records did not "reflect Giuseppe Conte having been at the University as a student or having an appointment as a faculty member". It said he was granted permission to conduct research in the institution's law library between 2008 and 2014. Cambridge University declined to give details about Conte. Duquesne University told AFP he attended as part of an affiliation with Villa Nazareth, an exchange programme, and did legal research but "was not enrolled as a student". Conte has yet to speak out publicly about the affair. Five Star has defended him as its choice to head a cabinet in which M5S leader Luigi Di Maio and League chief Matteo Salvini are tipped to hold key posts. "Conte is and absolutely remains Five Star and the League's prime ministerial candidate," state news agency ANSA quoted Di Maio as saying on Wednesday. Salvini meanwhile defended the coalition's eurosceptic candidate for economy minister, Paolo Savona. Minister for industry between 1993-94, Savona was staunchly opposed to the signing of the Maastricht Treaty and considers the euro a "German cage". "He is an expert with a solid background of studies but made the mistake of daring to say that the EU as it is isn't working," Salvini said. "Why do you even bother to let us vote if when the people ask for radical change you tell us to be careful?" European officials have expressed worry that Italy could trigger a new eurozone crisis by refusing to stick to public spending and debt targets set by Brussels. EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Wednesday that Italy must deliver a "credible" response on how it will reduce debt. Italy has one of the eurozone's highest levels of government debt and lowest growth rates. More than eight percent of its population lives in poverty, according to national statistics agency Istat. Di Maio and Salvini's government programme pledges tax cuts and increased welfare spending to boost growth. It also plans to speed up expulsions of illegal immigrants. On Tuesday Salvini said there would have to be new elections if the coalition government was not given the go-ahead by Mattarella. "Either we start and we begin the change or we may as well go back to the polls," he said in a live video on Facebook.

Italy president summons PM candidate amid CV scandal

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep.

World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match.

"It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession.

The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way.

Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback.

Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand.

On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself.

"I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match. "It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession. The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way. Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback. Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand. On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself. "I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title

Between eight and ten million packets a day, each with five cards, perhaps including the coveted ones of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo -- as World Cup fever builds the Panini sticker factory in Italy is working flat out.

With Panini, Italy are guaranteed not to miss out on the World Cup in Russia even if their team will not be competing.&nbsp;

Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Panini World Cup stickers are back baybay! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/cFv3IqdviZ">pic.twitter.com/cFv3IqdviZ</a>
— The Adamantium (@AdamRHarrison) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamRHarrison/status/997954081808269312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over the past 50 years the principle has never changed -- you open, stick and exchange cards.

"It's the simplicity that pays. Panini has never been in crisis because it's a simple game enjoyed by parents and children," Simona Spiaggia, head of production at the factory in Modena in central Italy told AFP.

Even four-time champions' Italy's absence from the World Cup for the first time in 60 years has not dented booming sales.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Get Your 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFA</a> 365 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stickers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Stickers</a> Special Collectors Package w/72 Page Album! World's Biggest Soccer Football Stars!! <a href="https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz">https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz</a>
— ?MilanLegends.com⚫️ (@TheMilanLegends) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMilanLegends/status/998096276574101504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"No, it's marginal," continues Spiaggia.&nbsp;

"We produce for the entire world, apart from a part of Latin American because we have another factory in Brazil.&nbsp;

"But for the rest of the world, everything is done here. So Italy represents just a small part."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Iker <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Casillas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Casillas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> stickers 2002-2016 <a href="https://t.co/0gVT4OUuKk">pic.twitter.com/0gVT4OUuKk</a>
— Stickerpedia (@Stickerpedia1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stickerpedia1/status/998083268338704384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since last January the machines which have remained unchanged since the 1960s, cut, mix and package at a faster rate than normal with the number of factory employees having jumped from 130 to 240 to keep pace with demand.

"We have production peaks every two years with the European championships and the World Cup. But that of the World Cup is a little higher," said Spiaggia.

And despite other partnership deals, notably with Disney, and inroads into cycling and basketball, football "still represents the largest part of our business," she said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I've a swap request for my PANINI STICKER ALBUM: You have: Stickers 'Egypt','João Mário','Mitchell Langerak','Bailey Wright','Aaron Mooy' 
You want: Stickers 'Korea Republic','Kim Younggwon','Ki Sungyueng','Lee Chungyong','Hwang Heechan' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaniniStickerAlbum?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaniniStickerAlbum</a><a href="https://t.co/klO0AtYYh3">https://t.co/klO0AtYYh3</a>
— Mazen Mohamed Aly ™ (@MazenMohamedAly) <a href="https://twitter.com/MazenMohamedAly/status/998007928224444417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Even competition from internet collections has not yet threatened or diminished the appeal of the traditional paper album.

"We're going forward with on-line. But it's a bit like books, some move to e-books, others will always prefer paper and that's the same for our collectors."

Fans will be searching avidly for stars including Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo, stickers which may seem rarer but which are in fact not.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
And so it begins. Worst parenting I've ever done. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Stickers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Stickers</a> <a href="https://t.co/jkwvzqKZIF">pic.twitter.com/jkwvzqKZIF</a>
— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jarlath/status/997967382973906944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"If they're rare it's because they are more sought after," explained Spiaggia. "There are fewer in circulation because they're not being exchanged, but not at the start."

In the end it's all down to chance and the shuffle of the machines. That is one thing that has changed from the early days when the mix was done with a shovel by throwing the stickers against the wall.

Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970

Between eight and ten million packets a day, each with five cards, perhaps including the coveted ones of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo -- as World Cup fever builds the Panini sticker factory in Italy is working flat out. With Panini, Italy are guaranteed not to miss out on the World Cup in Russia even if their team will not be competing. Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970. Panini World Cup stickers are back baybay! #Panini #WorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/cFv3IqdviZ — The Adamantium (@AdamRHarrison) May 19, 2018 × Over the past 50 years the principle has never changed -- you open, stick and exchange cards. "It's the simplicity that pays. Panini has never been in crisis because it's a simple game enjoyed by parents and children," Simona Spiaggia, head of production at the factory in Modena in central Italy told AFP. Even four-time champions' Italy's absence from the World Cup for the first time in 60 years has not dented booming sales. Get Your 2018 #Panini #FIFA 365 #Stickers Special Collectors Package w/72 Page Album! World's Biggest Soccer Football Stars!! https://t.co/q3Ljf4nwCz — ?MilanLegends.com⚫️ (@TheMilanLegends) May 20, 2018 × "No, it's marginal," continues Spiaggia. "We produce for the entire world, apart from a part of Latin American because we have another factory in Brazil. "But for the rest of the world, everything is done here. So Italy represents just a small part." Iker #Casillas#Spain #WorldCup #EURO #Panini stickers 2002-2016 pic.twitter.com/0gVT4OUuKk — Stickerpedia (@Stickerpedia1) May 20, 2018 × Since last January the machines which have remained unchanged since the 1960s, cut, mix and package at a faster rate than normal with the number of factory employees having jumped from 130 to 240 to keep pace with demand. "We have production peaks every two years with the European championships and the World Cup. But that of the World Cup is a little higher," said Spiaggia. And despite other partnership deals, notably with Disney, and inroads into cycling and basketball, football "still represents the largest part of our business," she said. I've a swap request for my PANINI STICKER ALBUM: You have: Stickers 'Egypt','João Mário','Mitchell Langerak','Bailey Wright','Aaron Mooy' You want: Stickers 'Korea Republic','Kim Younggwon','Ki Sungyueng','Lee Chungyong','Hwang Heechan' #PaniniStickerAlbumhttps://t.co/klO0AtYYh3 — Mazen Mohamed Aly ™ (@MazenMohamedAly) May 20, 2018 × Even competition from internet collections has not yet threatened or diminished the appeal of the traditional paper album. "We're going forward with on-line. But it's a bit like books, some move to e-books, others will always prefer paper and that's the same for our collectors." Fans will be searching avidly for stars including Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo, stickers which may seem rarer but which are in fact not. And so it begins. Worst parenting I've ever done. #Panini #WorldCup #Stickers pic.twitter.com/jkwvzqKZIF — Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) May 19, 2018 × "If they're rare it's because they are more sought after," explained Spiaggia. "There are fewer in circulation because they're not being exchanged, but not at the start." In the end it's all down to chance and the shuffle of the machines. That is one thing that has changed from the early days when the mix was done with a shovel by throwing the stickers against the wall.

FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze

Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage on Friday, his third success in this year's race.

Britain's Simon Yates (Mitchelton) holds the leader's pink jersey on the eve of a gruelling mountain stage to the summit of Monte Zoncolan.

Defending champion Tom Dumoulin of Team Sunweb remains 47 seconds behind the British rider with France's Thibaut Pinot of Groupama-FDJ third overall at 1min 04sec.

The 29-year-old Viviani had struggled on Thursday but hit back for his fourth stage success in total after back-to-back successes in Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel.

"It's amazing to be back after a few difficult days," said Viviani. &nbsp"This is what I needed and what my team deserved for the great job they have done.

"I had two or three bad days but I was still determined to keep the Maglia Ciclamino (points jersey)."

Covering flat roads of the eastern Po Valley, the 180km stage from Ferrara to Nervesa della Battaglia was tailor-made for the fast men of the peloton.

Vivani produced a late burst of acceleration in the dying metres to finish well ahead Ireland's Sam Bennett, the winner of the two other group sprints.

Dutch rider Danny Van Poppel took third ahead of Italy's Sacha Modolo as the race finished at Nervesa della Battaglia to commemorate the centenary of a battle which was among the most significant fights in the First World War.

"Until the latest possible moment&nbspI tried to stay safe," said Yates. &nbsp"The big guys in the team did a great job just keeping me at the front. It's been the easiest day we've had so far. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Saturday's 14th stage leaves San Vito al Tagliamento and finishes on the summit of Monte Zoncolan in the Carnic Alps after 186 km of racing which includes four climbs before the final 10.5km ascent, reputedly one of the toughest in Europe.

Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage

Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage on Friday, his third success in this year's race. Britain's Simon Yates (Mitchelton) holds the leader's pink jersey on the eve of a gruelling mountain stage to the summit of Monte Zoncolan. Defending champion Tom Dumoulin of Team Sunweb remains 47 seconds behind the British rider with France's Thibaut Pinot of Groupama-FDJ third overall at 1min 04sec. The 29-year-old Viviani had struggled on Thursday but hit back for his fourth stage success in total after back-to-back successes in Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel. "It's amazing to be back after a few difficult days," said Viviani. "This is what I needed and what my team deserved for the great job they have done. "I had two or three bad days but I was still determined to keep the Maglia Ciclamino (points jersey)." Covering flat roads of the eastern Po Valley, the 180km stage from Ferrara to Nervesa della Battaglia was tailor-made for the fast men of the peloton. Vivani produced a late burst of acceleration in the dying metres to finish well ahead Ireland's Sam Bennett, the winner of the two other group sprints. Dutch rider Danny Van Poppel took third ahead of Italy's Sacha Modolo as the race finished at Nervesa della Battaglia to commemorate the centenary of a battle which was among the most significant fights in the First World War. "Until the latest possible moment&nbspI tried to stay safe," said Yates. "The big guys in the team did a great job just keeping me at the front. It's been the easiest day we've had so far. I'm looking forward to tomorrow." Saturday's 14th stage leaves San Vito al Tagliamento and finishes on the summit of Monte Zoncolan in the Carnic Alps after 186 km of racing which includes four climbs before the final 10.5km ascent, reputedly one of the toughest in Europe.

Italy's Elia Viviani wins Giro d'Italia 13th stage

When the World Cup is held aloft in July, it won't be an Italian lifting the trophy. The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine.

The four-time winners' humiliating exit in November's playoff defeat to Sweden cast a pall over one of the world's proudest football nations.

Italy are not going to the World Cup, but the World Cup will come to Italy.

Every four years, in an anonymous building in an industrial town near Milan,&nbsp;amid the clouds of metal dust and sound of presses and hammers, an Italian company gets its hands on the World Cup trophy itself -- and gives it a makeover.&nbsp;

GDE Bertoni, a small business with 12 employees based in the Milanese suburb of Paderno Dugnano, designed and created the current cup in 1971 after Brazil kept the Jules Rimet trophy after they won the World Cup for the third time, and every four years it returned home for a spruce up.

"It's always a special feeling when the original trophy comes back to us, even if we see the replica every day," says Valentina Losa, director of the company her great-grandfather founded in 1938.&nbsp;

The trophy was made by the company's then-artistic director, sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, helped by Valentina's father Giorgio, who suggested the globe at the top of the trophy.

"The original is the original. It's like the difference between seeing the original Mona Lisa or a copy. It's not the same feeling at all."

"Amazing feeling"

Standing in front of an autographed photo of Franz Beckenbauer, who in 1974 became the first captain to lift the new trophy, Losa recounts how her company bagged the contract.

"There were 53 proposals from all over the world, but we were the only ones to have made a model, a physical product," she says. "Having it in front of you, not just a drawing -- that plays."

Soon after every World Cup,&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;sends the trophy, which is 38 centimetres long and contains more than six kilos of solid gold and malachite, home to be tended to.

"For four years it travels and is exposed to the elements. It's a little damaged, but we put it back into shape," says Pietro Brambilla, one of the Bertoni workshop's eight specialist workers.

Brambilla has no interest in football but something changes when he sees the World Cup winning captain lift the trophy.

"I always shed a tear at that moment because that trophy passed through my hands. It's an amazing feeling," he says.

"Not many people can say that they've held the World Cup."

Coveted

As well as making the original, Bortoni is&nbsp;also responsible for making a replica which the eventual winners of each tournament get to keep.

The replica is made from brass, after which is undergoes a range of treatments&nbsp;including milling and polishing before being bathed in 24-carat gold.

"We do this by eye. Once we see that she is beautiful, it comes out," says Ahmed Ait Siti Abdelkader, depositing a varnish that will keep the trophy shiny for about a decade.

"The World Cup is something different," he adds. "We make a lot of cups here, for Africa, the Gulf, Europe, Central America ... but this one has an extraordinary effect on you, different from all the others."

On July 15 Neymar, Lionel Messi, Hugo Lloris, Sergio Ramos or Manuel Neuer could be lifting the trophy rather than Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, whose post-elimination tears captured a nation's heart in November. But a few months later it will come home again to an industrial corner of Italy for its regular once over.

"It's such a coveted trophy that when a team wins it, the players mess around with it and take advantage of it -- a bit too much," says Losa.

"Sometimes it comes back with a bit of work to do. Let's just say that in 2006 the Italians really partied."

The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine

When the World Cup is held aloft in July, it won't be an Italian lifting the trophy. The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine. The four-time winners' humiliating exit in November's playoff defeat to Sweden cast a pall over one of the world's proudest football nations. Italy are not going to the World Cup, but the World Cup will come to Italy. Every four years, in an anonymous building in an industrial town near Milan, amid the clouds of metal dust and sound of presses and hammers, an Italian company gets its hands on the World Cup trophy itself -- and gives it a makeover. GDE Bertoni, a small business with 12 employees based in the Milanese suburb of Paderno Dugnano, designed and created the current cup in 1971 after Brazil kept the Jules Rimet trophy after they won the World Cup for the third time, and every four years it returned home for a spruce up. "It's always a special feeling when the original trophy comes back to us, even if we see the replica every day," says Valentina Losa, director of the company her great-grandfather founded in 1938. The trophy was made by the company's then-artistic director, sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, helped by Valentina's father Giorgio, who suggested the globe at the top of the trophy. "The original is the original. It's like the difference between seeing the original Mona Lisa or a copy. It's not the same feeling at all." "Amazing feeling" Standing in front of an autographed photo of Franz Beckenbauer, who in 1974 became the first captain to lift the new trophy, Losa recounts how her company bagged the contract. "There were 53 proposals from all over the world, but we were the only ones to have made a model, a physical product," she says. "Having it in front of you, not just a drawing -- that plays." Soon after every World Cup, FIFA sends the trophy, which is 38 centimetres long and contains more than six kilos of solid gold and malachite, home to be tended to. "For four years it travels and is exposed to the elements. It's a little damaged, but we put it back into shape," says Pietro Brambilla, one of the Bertoni workshop's eight specialist workers. Brambilla has no interest in football but something changes when he sees the World Cup winning captain lift the trophy. "I always shed a tear at that moment because that trophy passed through my hands. It's an amazing feeling," he says. "Not many people can say that they've held the World Cup." Coveted As well as making the original, Bortoni is also responsible for making a replica which the eventual winners of each tournament get to keep. The replica is made from brass, after which is undergoes a range of treatments including milling and polishing before being bathed in 24-carat gold. "We do this by eye. Once we see that she is beautiful, it comes out," says Ahmed Ait Siti Abdelkader, depositing a varnish that will keep the trophy shiny for about a decade. "The World Cup is something different," he adds. "We make a lot of cups here, for Africa, the Gulf, Europe, Central America ... but this one has an extraordinary effect on you, different from all the others." On July 15 Neymar, Lionel Messi, Hugo Lloris, Sergio Ramos or Manuel Neuer could be lifting the trophy rather than Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, whose post-elimination tears captured a nation's heart in November. But a few months later it will come home again to an industrial corner of Italy for its regular once over. "It's such a coveted trophy that when a team wins it, the players mess around with it and take advantage of it -- a bit too much," says Losa. "Sometimes it comes back with a bit of work to do. Let's just say that in 2006 the Italians really partied."

FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy

Pakistan authorities on Wednesday said that the Pakistan origin Italian woman who was allegedly murdered by her neighbour in an "honour" killing case was strangled to death.&nbsp

The case made headlines in Italy over claims of honor killing. Police in the eastern city of Gujrat launched an investigation into the death of the woman after allegations that she had been murdered by relatives spread online.

An autopsy performed on her exhumed body led to the discovery that she had been brutally assaulted.

“It has now been confirmed that she was strangled to death. And according to the report, her neck was also broken,” said Irfan Sulehri, a senior police officer.

Earlier, according to the victim’s family, 26-year-old was murdered in the neighbourhood of Mangowal in the city of Gujrat in Punjab on April 18 and had died of natural causes.&nbsp

The police have taken most of the suspects into custody but they are still looking for the prime suspect, who appears to be on the run. The victim's father, brother, and uncle were taken into custody for questioning after the investigation was launched.

News of her death was reported in a local Italian newspaper, Giornale di Brescia, and members of the Pakistani community in Brescia, Italy, had held a demonstration demanding to know the truth about her death.

Police in the eastern city of Gujrat launched an investigation into the death of the woman after allegations that she had been murdered by relatives spread online

Pakistan authorities on Wednesday said that the Pakistan origin Italian woman who was allegedly murdered by her neighbour in an "honour" killing case was strangled to death. The case made headlines in Italy over claims of honor killing. Police in the eastern city of Gujrat launched an investigation into the death of the woman after allegations that she had been murdered by relatives spread online. An autopsy performed on her exhumed body led to the discovery that she had been brutally assaulted. “It has now been confirmed that she was strangled to death. And according to the report, her neck was also broken,” said Irfan Sulehri, a senior police officer. Earlier, according to the victim’s family, 26-year-old was murdered in the neighbourhood of Mangowal in the city of Gujrat in Punjab on April 18 and had died of natural causes. The police have taken most of the suspects into custody but they are still looking for the prime suspect, who appears to be on the run. The victim's father, brother, and uncle were taken into custody for questioning after the investigation was launched. News of her death was reported in a local Italian newspaper, Giornale di Brescia, and members of the Pakistani community in Brescia, Italy, had held a demonstration demanding to know the truth about her death.

Pakistan-origin Italian woman's death caused by strangulation: Pakistan police

The leader of Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement dismissed proposals for a stop-gap government to reform the electoral law and repeated his call for a snap election in June, according to a newspaper interview on Friday.

Luigi Di Maio told Il Fatto Quotidiano that an election could be held on June 24, saying that technical objections that more time was needed to organise the vote for Italians abroad were groundless, and clashed with the constitution.

President Sergio Mattarella has called a fresh round of consultations with party leaders on May 7 to try to end nine weeks of increasingly fractious political deadlock following an inconclusive March election.

Asked if it was not necessary to change the electoral law before returning to the polls, Di Maio replied: "It can't be done, we (the parties) would waste years arguing about it."

The March 4 election saw a centre-right alliance led by the anti-immigrant League winning the most seats and 5-Star emerging as the biggest single party. The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) came third.

A matrix of criss-crossing vetoes has so far prevented the parties from agreeing to a coalition deal, with friction and frustration growing by the day.

Italy has repeatedly changed its voting system in recent years.

When the current electoral law, presented by the PD, was approved a few months before the vote, 5-Star held street protests complaining it was designed to hurt their chances at the election.

Mattarella does not want to dissolve parliament, and instead hopes to put together a short-term government to draw up a 2019 budget that has to be approved by the end of December, a source in his office told Reuters on Wednesday.

Di Maio said Mattarella had never made this request to 5-Star during consultations, and dismissed the idea of a temporary government as a way to try to trick his party.

"Once a government starts it will cling on at all costs," he said.

The last four Italian prime ministers took office thanks to backroom deals rather than ballot-box victories, and repeated efforts to devise an electoral law allowing the swift formation of a government have failed to come up with a winning formula.

While Italy's day-to-day administration is being overseen by caretaker prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, latest economic forecasts from the European Commission have underlined the need for a fully empowered government ready to undertake reform.

The forecasts on Thursday showed that the Italian economy was set to grow 1.5 percent this year and just 1.2 percent next -- the lowest amongst the European Union's 27 member states.

Italy has repeatedly changed its voting system in recent years

The leader of Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement dismissed proposals for a stop-gap government to reform the electoral law and repeated his call for a snap election in June, according to a newspaper interview on Friday. Luigi Di Maio told Il Fatto Quotidiano that an election could be held on June 24, saying that technical objections that more time was needed to organise the vote for Italians abroad were groundless, and clashed with the constitution. President Sergio Mattarella has called a fresh round of consultations with party leaders on May 7 to try to end nine weeks of increasingly fractious political deadlock following an inconclusive March election. Asked if it was not necessary to change the electoral law before returning to the polls, Di Maio replied: "It can't be done, we (the parties) would waste years arguing about it." The March 4 election saw a centre-right alliance led by the anti-immigrant League winning the most seats and 5-Star emerging as the biggest single party. The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) came third. A matrix of criss-crossing vetoes has so far prevented the parties from agreeing to a coalition deal, with friction and frustration growing by the day. Italy has repeatedly changed its voting system in recent years. When the current electoral law, presented by the PD, was approved a few months before the vote, 5-Star held street protests complaining it was designed to hurt their chances at the election. Mattarella does not want to dissolve parliament, and instead hopes to put together a short-term government to draw up a 2019 budget that has to be approved by the end of December, a source in his office told Reuters on Wednesday. Di Maio said Mattarella had never made this request to 5-Star during consultations, and dismissed the idea of a temporary government as a way to try to trick his party. "Once a government starts it will cling on at all costs," he said. The last four Italian prime ministers took office thanks to backroom deals rather than ballot-box victories, and repeated efforts to devise an electoral law allowing the swift formation of a government have failed to come up with a winning formula. While Italy's day-to-day administration is being overseen by caretaker prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, latest economic forecasts from the European Commission have underlined the need for a fully empowered government ready to undertake reform. The forecasts on Thursday showed that the Italian economy was set to grow 1.5 percent this year and just 1.2 percent next -- the lowest amongst the European Union's 27 member states.

Italy's 5-Star leader calls for election on June 24

Spain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-leander-paes-creates-history-as-india-win-doubles-match-128913">outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals </a>of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals.

Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to&nbsp;level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1.

European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with &nbsp;6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter. Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1. European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with 6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Davis Cup: Ferrer edges out Kohlschreiber as Spain beat Germany

Cristiano Ronaldo architected the Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Serie A leaders Juventus as he stunned Gigi Buffon twice to score the opener goal as well as a sensational overhead bicycle kick.

He became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games. He earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch.

"You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football," said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

"It's not easy to get three goals past Juve on their own pitch. But in the end it was teamwork, you have to work as a team to get this result."

"Of course Juventus aren't happy with the result tonight, but I will always have Juve in my heart," added Zidane, who spent five seasons at the Italian club as a player.

Watch the stunning goal here:

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Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys <a href="https://t.co/d0BAkwOxzM">pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM</a>
— Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleteTweetsO/status/981304696030642176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Watch Zidane's reaction:

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Zidane's reaction to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cristiano?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cristiano</a> goal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadrid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjQvTsbhwY">pic.twitter.com/xjQvTsbhwY</a>
— R3ed Alrashid (@R3ed_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/R3ed_0/status/981266126876430336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also&nbsp;watch&nbsp;Cristiano's incredible bicycle kicks show:

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&nbsp;

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For his astonishing overhead bicycle kick, Cristiano Ronaldo earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans when he left the pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo architected the Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Serie A leaders Juventus as he stunned Gigi Buffon twice to score the opener goal as well as a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games. He earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football," said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. "It's not easy to get three goals past Juve on their own pitch. But in the end it was teamwork, you have to work as a team to get this result." "Of course Juventus aren't happy with the result tonight, but I will always have Juve in my heart," added Zidane, who spent five seasons at the Italian club as a player. Watch the stunning goal here: Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Watch Zidane's reaction: Zidane's reaction to #Cristiano goal #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/xjQvTsbhwY — R3ed Alrashid (@R3ed_0) April 3, 2018 × Also watch Cristiano's incredible bicycle kicks show: ×

Watch: Ronaldo's sensational 'bicycle' goal against Juventus

Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy.

Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less.

Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid forward within three minutes after the game started as he netted a beautiful assist of Marcelo on the left-hand edge of the six-yard box.

Though Real Madrid was leading but without a doubt, Juventus played better in the first half when it comes to intent and creating chances.

Also, the Real's midfielder Toni Kroos was proved unlucky when his ferocious strike was deflected off the bar.

Argentine Paulo Dybala tried to level the score in the sixth minute but Real's defender Sergio Ramos closed down the chance. Juventus got many chances but their conversion rate was very poor. The team looked under pressure.

In the second half, Charismatic Cristiano stunned the hosts by an amazing overhead kick to give a 2-0 lead.

<img alt="Cristiano Ronaldo.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Cristiano%20Ronaldo.jpg" width="770" />

Marcelo stunned Gigi Buffon to score the third goal to stretch the lead further.

Dybala received a yellow card in the first half but in the 66th minute, he was sent off by the referee for kicking into Carvajal’s ribs.

Also, Real Madrid's captain Sergio Ramos will miss the leg 2 clash which is scheduled on&nbsp;April 12.

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Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8, (Ronaldo 3, 64, Marcelo 72)

Defending champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus by 3-0 in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at Juventus Stadium, Italy. Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less. Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid forward within three minutes after the game started as he netted a beautiful assist of Marcelo on the left-hand edge of the six-yard box. Though Real Madrid was leading but without a doubt, Juventus played better in the first half when it comes to intent and creating chances. Also, the Real's midfielder Toni Kroos was proved unlucky when his ferocious strike was deflected off the bar. Argentine Paulo Dybala tried to level the score in the sixth minute but Real's defender Sergio Ramos closed down the chance. Juventus got many chances but their conversion rate was very poor. The team looked under pressure. In the second half, Charismatic Cristiano stunned the hosts by an amazing overhead kick to give a 2-0 lead. Marcelo stunned Gigi Buffon to score the third goal to stretch the lead further. Dybala received a yellow card in the first half but in the 66th minute, he was sent off by the referee for kicking into Carvajal’s ribs. Also, Real Madrid's captain Sergio Ramos will miss the leg 2 clash which is scheduled on April 12. ×

Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus

Spanish giants, Real Madrid are set to clash with Serie A leaders Juventus in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at 12:15 AM on Wednesday's early morning at Juventus Stadium, Italy.

The way Real Madrid have picked up the pace in LaLiga and reached the third position ahead of Valencia and giving a tough competition to Atletico Madrid is remarkable.

After defeating Paris-Saint Germain in the round of 16 of Champions League, Real won last three matches in LaLiga and currently is high on hopes to proceed further in the tournament.

The star players of Real Madrid are healthy and shining bright, as Madrid is not suffering from any suspension and injury. Only addition of defender Nacho is doubtful ahead of first leg clash.

On the other hand, Juventus is currently leading the Italian league, Series A with 78 points and have reached the quarter-finals after defeating Tottenham by an aggregate of 4-3.

Gonzalo Higuain might create trouble for the Real's defenders as he has already proved himself in the leg of 8, apart from that, Paulo Dybala is another major weapon for Juve.

For Juventus, Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic are suffering suspensions and Federico Bernardeschi is out due to injury.

The probability of winning is 50-50 as both the teams are equally strong though, Juventus will miss few of its major players but the result will be depended on which team will make lesser mistakes and take full advantage.

Playing XI (TBC)

Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Juventus: Buffon, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Khedira, Matuidi, Marchisio, Dybala, Cuadrado, Higuain.

Spanish giants, Real Madrid are set to clash with Serie A leaders Juventus in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8

Spanish giants, Real Madrid are set to clash with Serie A leaders Juventus in the first leg of UEFA Champions League round of 8 at 12:15 AM on Wednesday's early morning at Juventus Stadium, Italy. The way Real Madrid have picked up the pace in LaLiga and reached the third position ahead of Valencia and giving a tough competition to Atletico Madrid is remarkable. After defeating Paris-Saint Germain in the round of 16 of Champions League, Real won last three matches in LaLiga and currently is high on hopes to proceed further in the tournament. The star players of Real Madrid are healthy and shining bright, as Madrid is not suffering from any suspension and injury. Only addition of defender Nacho is doubtful ahead of first leg clash. On the other hand, Juventus is currently leading the Italian league, Series A with 78 points and have reached the quarter-finals after defeating Tottenham by an aggregate of 4-3. Gonzalo Higuain might create trouble for the Real's defenders as he has already proved himself in the leg of 8, apart from that, Paulo Dybala is another major weapon for Juve. For Juventus, Medhi Benatia and Miralem Pjanic are suffering suspensions and Federico Bernardeschi is out due to injury. The probability of winning is 50-50 as both the teams are equally strong though, Juventus will miss few of its major players but the result will be depended on which team will make lesser mistakes and take full advantage. Playing XI (TBC) Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema. Juventus: Buffon, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Khedira, Matuidi, Marchisio, Dybala, Cuadrado, Higuain.

Champions League preview: Real Madrid take on Juventus in quarter-finals

Pope Francis today said he was "ashamed" that younger generations would inherit a world "fractured by divisions and wars".

Speaking in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession, the pontiff said the world was "devoured by egotism in which the young, the sick, the old are marginalised".

Amid tight security, around 20,000 faithful, many holding candles, gathered around Rome's Colosseum for the religious ritual that evokes the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion.

The Italian capital has been put under tight surveillance following a week marked by a series of anti-terror arrests.

Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned this week of the high risk of an attack in Italy, and some 10,000 officers have been deployed to guarantee safety in Rome, in particular during the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope this weekend culminating with the Easter day celebrations on Sunday.&nbsp

Pope spoke in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession

Pope Francis today said he was "ashamed" that younger generations would inherit a world "fractured by divisions and wars". Speaking in Rome at the end of the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession, the pontiff said the world was "devoured by egotism in which the young, the sick, the old are marginalised". Amid tight security, around 20,000 faithful, many holding candles, gathered around Rome's Colosseum for the religious ritual that evokes the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion. The Italian capital has been put under tight surveillance following a week marked by a series of anti-terror arrests. Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned this week of the high risk of an attack in Italy, and some 10,000 officers have been deployed to guarantee safety in Rome, in particular during the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope this weekend culminating with the Easter day celebrations on Sunday.

Pope 'ashamed' young to inherit fractured world

Italian police on Thursday arrested five people as part of what they said was a major operation against suspected supporters of Islamist terrorism around Rome.

They were believed to have connections with the Tunisian ISIS militant who killed 12 people at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016.&nbsp

A number of raids were conducted across central and southern Italy on Thursday when the suspects were arrested. Warrants have been issued to a Palestinian nation after he was accused of training and conducting other activities for the purpose of international terrorism as well as four Tunisians suspected of falsifying documents and facilitating illegal immigration.

However, the sources said there was no evidence the suspects participated directly in the Berlin truck attack or that they were preparing an imminent attack in Italy.

As part of their operation, police were carrying out searches in Rome, the southern port city of Naples and the central and southern towns of Latina, Viterbo, Caserta and Matera, the sources said.

As per reports, the suspects were traced by analyzing the mobile phone records of Anis Amri, the man who killed 12 people and wounded 56 when he drove a truck into a crowded market in the German capital on December 19th 2016. Four days later Italian police tracked him to Milan, where he was killed in a shootout.&nbsp

Thursday's arrests suggest that his network in Italy may have extended further. So far this year, 29 foreigners, mostly Muslims, have been expelled from Italy as suspected threats to national security.

They were believed to have connections with the Tunisian ISIS militant who killed 12 poeple at a Berlin christmans market in 2016

Italian police on Thursday arrested five people as part of what they said was a major operation against suspected supporters of Islamist terrorism around Rome. They were believed to have connections with the Tunisian ISIS militant who killed 12 people at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016. A number of raids were conducted across central and southern Italy on Thursday when the suspects were arrested. Warrants have been issued to a Palestinian nation after he was accused of training and conducting other activities for the purpose of international terrorism as well as four Tunisians suspected of falsifying documents and facilitating illegal immigration. However, the sources said there was no evidence the suspects participated directly in the Berlin truck attack or that they were preparing an imminent attack in Italy. As part of their operation, police were carrying out searches in Rome, the southern port city of Naples and the central and southern towns of Latina, Viterbo, Caserta and Matera, the sources said. As per reports, the suspects were traced by analyzing the mobile phone records of Anis Amri, the man who killed 12 people and wounded 56 when he drove a truck into a crowded market in the German capital on December 19th 2016. Four days later Italian police tracked him to Milan, where he was killed in a shootout. Thursday's arrests suggest that his network in Italy may have extended further. So far this year, 29 foreigners, mostly Muslims, have been expelled from Italy as suspected threats to national security.

Italy arrests 5 Tunisians in anti-terrorism swoop

Lionel Messi begins his road to World Cup redemption on Friday as Argentina take on Italy in a glamour friendly, desperate to win a major international prize to crown his glorious career.

In Barcelona&#39;s colours, Messi has experienced nothing but success, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, while earning FIFA&#39;s Ballon d&#39;Or award five times.

But pulling on Argentina&#39;s blue-and-white striped shirt has brought the forward some of the most painful moments of his career.

Rarely able to hit the same heights with Argentina that he routinely scales with Barcelona, Messi has endured stinging criticism from &#39;Albiceleste&#39; fans at times.

Nobody would dispute Messi&#39;s status as one of the all-time greats, but many in Argentina believe he cannot be considered on the same level as Diego Maradona until he wins a major honour with his country, as his compatriot did at the 1986 World Cup.

Rubbing salt into those wounds, Messi has lost in three successive major finals with Argentina as the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles slipped from his grasp.

&quot;I cried many times because of games like these, for lost finals, for what they mean and for not being able to achieve the dream of a country. It was a hard blow to take,&quot; Messi recently told Argentine television programme La Cornisa.

The last World Cup was devastating to Messi as he missed a golden opportunity to put Argentina ahead in the final against Germany, who went on to win 1-0 in extra-time.

As if that was not bad enough, for the first time in his career, he missed in a penalty shootout when Argentina were beaten by Chile in the Copa America final two years ago.

Last chance? 
Although Messi is still in his prime, the 30-year-old realises the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June, could represent his last chance to hoist the famous gold trophy.

He will be approaching the twilight of his career by the time the 2022 edition kicks off in Qatar. Messi will have also noted that key Argentina team-mates Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano will all be 30 or over this year.

&quot;Obviously, we depend on results and therefore the thinking in this group is that having got to three finals and not being able to win and even then people say a lot of things about us, if we are not champions then we won&#39;t have another one (opportunity),&quot; Messi said.

Having edged through to the finals thanks to Messi&#39;s treble in a 3-1 win over Ecuador in October, Argentina are focused on peaking in Russia, where they will play Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in the group stage.

First up is an intriguing test against an Italy side that failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli believes the match at Manchester City&#39;s ground will help to sharpen his side before a second friendly in Spain next week.

&quot;Each match and training session is fundamental for us in preparation for the World Cup. Playing against Italy, in a venue as important as Etihad Stadium, is an invitation to a great event,&quot; he said.

&quot;Every Argentine in the world wants to be there when the national team plays. We are certain they will accompany us for this one.&quot; AFP

This could be Messi's last chance to win the World Cup

Lionel Messi begins his road to World Cup redemption on Friday as Argentina take on Italy in a glamour friendly, desperate to win a major international prize to crown his glorious career. In Barcelona's colours, Messi has experienced nothing but success, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, while earning FIFA's Ballon d'Or award five times. But pulling on Argentina's blue-and-white striped shirt has brought the forward some of the most painful moments of his career. Rarely able to hit the same heights with Argentina that he routinely scales with Barcelona, Messi has endured stinging criticism from 'Albiceleste' fans at times. Nobody would dispute Messi's status as one of the all-time greats, but many in Argentina believe he cannot be considered on the same level as Diego Maradona until he wins a major honour with his country, as his compatriot did at the 1986 World Cup. Rubbing salt into those wounds, Messi has lost in three successive major finals with Argentina as the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles slipped from his grasp. "I cried many times because of games like these, for lost finals, for what they mean and for not being able to achieve the dream of a country. It was a hard blow to take," Messi recently told Argentine television programme La Cornisa. The last World Cup was devastating to Messi as he missed a golden opportunity to put Argentina ahead in the final against Germany, who went on to win 1-0 in extra-time. As if that was not bad enough, for the first time in his career, he missed in a penalty shootout when Argentina were beaten by Chile in the Copa America final two years ago. Last chance? Although Messi is still in his prime, the 30-year-old realises the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June, could represent his last chance to hoist the famous gold trophy. He will be approaching the twilight of his career by the time the 2022 edition kicks off in Qatar. Messi will have also noted that key Argentina team-mates Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano will all be 30 or over this year. "Obviously, we depend on results and therefore the thinking in this group is that having got to three finals and not being able to win and even then people say a lot of things about us, if we are not champions then we won't have another one (opportunity)," Messi said. Having edged through to the finals thanks to Messi's treble in a 3-1 win over Ecuador in October, Argentina are focused on peaking in Russia, where they will play Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in the group stage. First up is an intriguing test against an Italy side that failed to qualify for the World Cup. Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli believes the match at Manchester City's ground will help to sharpen his side before a second friendly in Spain next week. "Each match and training session is fundamental for us in preparation for the World Cup. Playing against Italy, in a venue as important as Etihad Stadium, is an invitation to a great event," he said. "Every Argentine in the world wants to be there when the national team plays. We are certain they will accompany us for this one." AFP

Football World Cup friendlies: Argentina take on Italy

International charity ships and Libya&#39;s coastguard and picked up several hundred migrants on Saturday as smugglers trying to take advantage of calm seas launched a flurry of boats towards Italy.

Libyan coastguard vessels intercepted three migrant boats, the first an inflatable dinghy that had broken down with 125 people on board off Zawiya, just west of the capital, Tripoli, said Ayoub Qassem, a coastguard spokesman.

The second boat was turned back off Garabulli, east of Tripoli, and had 112 people on board, while a third boat with 98 migrants on board was intercepted off Abu Kamash, near Libya&#39;s border with Tunisia.

One boat with more than 100 migrants on board made it as far as the Aquarius rescue ship about 21 miles from the coast to the west of Tripoli. The ship was preparing to transfer the migrants to Italy.

Rescuers on board the Aquarius said the migrant boat was on the verge of completely sinking when it reached them. More than half the migrants on it were Nigerians, with the rest from other sub-Saharan African countries as well as two Palestinians.

&quot;All but one of the five balloons holding the boat up was either completely deflated or deflating and there were still about 120 people inside the boat, so a very, very precarious condition,&quot; said one of the rescuers, Max Avis.&nbsp;

One of the Palestinians was thrown into the water by other migrants after trying to convince them that they would be better off being saved by a nearby Libyan coastguard boat than drowning, rescuers said.

Libya is the main departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea. More than 600,000 migrants have crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy over the past four years as people smugglers took advantage of a security vacuum in Libya. Thousands more perished at sea.

Since last summer the rate of departures dropped sharply after smugglers in the Libyan town of Sabratha struck a deal with the Tripoli government to halt their activities and were then pushed from the town by rival armed groups.

Libya&#39;s EU-backed coastguard has also stepped up interceptions, often cutting migrant boats off before they can reach international vessels that would bring them to Europe.

Two other groups of migrants were transferred to the Aquarius late on Saturday, including 62 who had been picked up by a merchant ship in offshore oil fields and 106 others from another charity vessel.

Meanwhile, the coastguard in Zuwara, a former Libyan smuggling hub west of Zawiya, said they had foiled a departure during the night and arrested some migrants whilst others had escaped with smugglers.

The coastguard posted pictures of detained sub-Saharan African migrants sitting in an inflatable rubber boat on the beach in the dark. 
&nbsp;

Libya is the main departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea

International charity ships and Libya's coastguard and picked up several hundred migrants on Saturday as smugglers trying to take advantage of calm seas launched a flurry of boats towards Italy. Libyan coastguard vessels intercepted three migrant boats, the first an inflatable dinghy that had broken down with 125 people on board off Zawiya, just west of the capital, Tripoli, said Ayoub Qassem, a coastguard spokesman. The second boat was turned back off Garabulli, east of Tripoli, and had 112 people on board, while a third boat with 98 migrants on board was intercepted off Abu Kamash, near Libya's border with Tunisia. One boat with more than 100 migrants on board made it as far as the Aquarius rescue ship about 21 miles from the coast to the west of Tripoli. The ship was preparing to transfer the migrants to Italy. Rescuers on board the Aquarius said the migrant boat was on the verge of completely sinking when it reached them. More than half the migrants on it were Nigerians, with the rest from other sub-Saharan African countries as well as two Palestinians. "All but one of the five balloons holding the boat up was either completely deflated or deflating and there were still about 120 people inside the boat, so a very, very precarious condition," said one of the rescuers, Max Avis. One of the Palestinians was thrown into the water by other migrants after trying to convince them that they would be better off being saved by a nearby Libyan coastguard boat than drowning, rescuers said. Libya is the main departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea. More than 600,000 migrants have crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy over the past four years as people smugglers took advantage of a security vacuum in Libya. Thousands more perished at sea. Since last summer the rate of departures dropped sharply after smugglers in the Libyan town of Sabratha struck a deal with the Tripoli government to halt their activities and were then pushed from the town by rival armed groups. Libya's EU-backed coastguard has also stepped up interceptions, often cutting migrant boats off before they can reach international vessels that would bring them to Europe. Two other groups of migrants were transferred to the Aquarius late on Saturday, including 62 who had been picked up by a merchant ship in offshore oil fields and 106 others from another charity vessel. Meanwhile, the coastguard in Zuwara, a former Libyan smuggling hub west of Zawiya, said they had foiled a departure during the night and arrested some migrants whilst others had escaped with smugglers. The coastguard posted pictures of detained sub-Saharan African migrants sitting in an inflatable rubber boat on the beach in the dark.

Hundreds of migrants picked up between Libya and Italy

Dozens of Italians have been queueing at tax offices to claim money promised by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement in the weekend election -- even though the party is not yet in power.

A key election pledge of the Five Star Movement (M5S) was to provide a universal basic income for the unemployed ranging from 700 euros ($860) to 3,000 euros.

The party scooped up 33 per cent of the national vote in Sunday&#39;s ballot, becoming the country&#39;s biggest single party, but it did not win as many votes a rightwing coalition, so both camps are in the process of finding allies to form a parliamentary majority.

However, the political stalemate has not stopped voters in southern Italy from already demanding that the M5S make good on its election pledge.

&quot;The Five Star Movement has won. Give us the forms to get the universal income,&quot; people told employees at a local tax office in the Giovinazzo, near the city of Bari, Italian media reported.

Since the start of the week, at least 50 people have shown up at another tax office in Bari itself to obtain information about the scheme, according to an official.

&quot;For all those who come to ask if the forms are already ready, we have prepared a... response saying that for now there are no measures in place for such a document,&quot; the unnamed official told a&nbsp;newspaper.

Meanwhile, a tax centre in the city of Palermo even put up a sign reading: &quot;We don&#39;t offer universal basic income.&quot;

The Five Star Movement&#39;s scheme -- which comes with certain conditions -- has proven particularly popular with young voters in a country where unemployment for those aged 25-34 runs at 17 per cent.

However, the plan has drawn stinging criticism from the other political parties, with opponents slamming it as a reward for laziness.&nbsp;

According to media estimates, the measure would cost the Italian state some 15 billion euros per year -- a heavy burden on the heavily indebted European Union member.

A key election pledge of the Five Star Movement (M5S) was to provide a universal basic income for the unemployed ranging from 700 euros ($860) to 3,000 euros

Dozens of Italians have been queueing at tax offices to claim money promised by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement in the weekend election -- even though the party is not yet in power. A key election pledge of the Five Star Movement (M5S) was to provide a universal basic income for the unemployed ranging from 700 euros ($860) to 3,000 euros. The party scooped up 33 per cent of the national vote in Sunday's ballot, becoming the country's biggest single party, but it did not win as many votes a rightwing coalition, so both camps are in the process of finding allies to form a parliamentary majority. However, the political stalemate has not stopped voters in southern Italy from already demanding that the M5S make good on its election pledge. "The Five Star Movement has won. Give us the forms to get the universal income," people told employees at a local tax office in the Giovinazzo, near the city of Bari, Italian media reported. Since the start of the week, at least 50 people have shown up at another tax office in Bari itself to obtain information about the scheme, according to an official. "For all those who come to ask if the forms are already ready, we have prepared a... response saying that for now there are no measures in place for such a document," the unnamed official told a newspaper. Meanwhile, a tax centre in the city of Palermo even put up a sign reading: "We don't offer universal basic income." The Five Star Movement's scheme -- which comes with certain conditions -- has proven particularly popular with young voters in a country where unemployment for those aged 25-34 runs at 17 per cent. However, the plan has drawn stinging criticism from the other political parties, with opponents slamming it as a reward for laziness. According to media estimates, the measure would cost the Italian state some 15 billion euros per year -- a heavy burden on the heavily indebted European Union member.

Italians queue for free cash promised by Five Star

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