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Italy

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Italy. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Rome

Head of State

President Sergio Mattarella

Head of Government

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

last updated:

29 November, 2024

A volunteer assists the girl, the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Photo: Compass Collective via Reuters

Europe’s refugee crisis

How shipwreck girl, 11, was found after floating alone in sea for days

Rescue boat captain said it was an ‘incredible coincidence’ crew heard the girl calling out from Mediterranean waters.

3 hours ago

Art

Milan woos art lovers by adding modern art museum to ‘little Louvre’

11 Dec 2024 - 4:15PM

Auctions

Rare Roman coin sells for US$2.09 million at Geneva auction

10 Dec 2024 - 4:49AM

Fashion

He dresses popes, priests, new cardinals and has seen their tastes change

In Rome, Raniero Mancinelli has sewn robes for popes and priests, including new cardinals, for 62 years. He’s seen clerical fashion evolve.

9 Dec 2024 - 6:36PM

One of the last ecclesiastical tailors in Rome, Raniero Mancinelli has made cassocks, collars and robes for generations of clergymen, including three popes and some of the new cardinals Pope Francis will appoint on December 7, 2024. Photo: AFP

Food and Drinks

Why prickly pear is a crop with potential in a warming world

In arid southern Italy, where drought, disease and global warming ravage olive trees, a start-up is growing prickly pear, a food and biofuel.

5 Dec 2024 - 5:15PM

Wellness

69 and 70, they’re poster boys for cycling’s health benefits

Doctors told Jimmy Poon he was disabled. Then he got on his bike. Patrick Ho is alive today because he began feeling breathless while riding.

1 Dec 2024 - 9:36AMvideocam

Blinken urges G7 countries to maintain unity in face of China risks

US secretary of state cites Beijing’s economic policies, human rights record and support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

27 Nov 2024 - 6:47AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks on Tuesday at the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Fiuggi, Italy. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine war

US shuts Kyiv embassy over ‘potential significant air attack’

The Italian and Greek embassies said they had also closed their doors after the unusual US warning, while the French embassy remained open.

20 Nov 2024 - 8:51PM

Art

Yoshitaka Amano exhibition celebrates Japanese artist’s 50-year career

Amano, whose portfolio includes the Vampire Hunter D novel series and Final Fantasy video games, is holding his first major European show.

14 Nov 2024 - 6:08PM

Donald Trump

Italian president tells Elon Musk to quit meddling in Italy’s domestic politics

The highly unusual statement from the Italian head of state came against growing tension between the ruling coalition and the judiciary.

14 Nov 2024 - 12:13AMvideocam

Italian President Sergio Mattarella consistently tops opinion polls as the most respected leader in Italy. Photo: AP

Architecture and design

This coffee shop brings retro Milan to modern Hong Kong

After falling in love with Milanese coffee on a trip to Italy, this entrepreneur enlisted designer JJ Acuna to bring the Italian city’s vibe to Hong Kong.

19 Nov 2024 - 3:49PM

Coffeelin in LHT Tower, Central, Hong Kong designed by JJ Acuna of Bespoke Studio. Photo: Steven Ko

Food and Drinks

Nearly 1kg Alba white truffle sells for US$154,000 to Hong Kong bidder

The truffle, sold at the 25th World Alba White Truffle Auction, was part of a single lot that included an Italy trip and meal in Hong Kong.

11 Nov 2024 - 7:04PM

China-EU relations

Chinese leader gives moon dust to Italian President

The lunar samples, collected by the Chang’e-5 probe, follow similar gifts to the French and Russian presidents.

9 Nov 2024 - 7:00PMvideocam

Heidi Klum

Recap | Want to bump into Beyoncé, Beckham, William and Kate, Rihanna or Clooney? Celebrity vacation spots revealed!

Discover the top holiday destinations in Europe, Asia and around the world where Hollywood A-listers, superstar singers and all the top celebrities like to take their vacations.

7 Nov 2024 - 6:00PM

Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz, pictured here at Paris Fashion Week in September, are known for enjoying breaks in Caribbean island getaways such as St Barts or Turks and Caicos. Photo: Getty

Retailing

Bulgari banks on Chinese consumers to fuel luxury growth as economy improves

The Italian fashion brand in the LVMH stable bets on a recovery in the next two years with a plan to open more mainland stores.

7 Nov 2024 - 2:19PMvideocam

Bulgari goods on display at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Photo: LVMH

US presidential election 2024

EU has wish list for Trump, but support for tough China agenda will be expected

In Brussels, there is an expectation that the US election result could usher in a shifting balance of power in Europe.

7 Nov 2024 - 8:47AMvideocam

Food and agriculture

Global food companies target worldly Chinese consumers, CIIE attendees say

CIIE participants say Chinese consumers want high-quality milk and additive-free food products.

6 Nov 2024 - 9:00PM

China-Africa relations

As Chinese official visits, Kenya says deal to fund and build highway is close

Kenyan President Ruto says talks are at a late stage for China to finance and build highway through Rift Valley and possible SGR extension.

5 Nov 2024 - 6:00PMvideocam

Li Xi, a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee meets Kenyan President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on Monday. Photo: Office of Kenya President

Swimming

Haughey crowned 200m freestyle queen after winning World Cup race for third time

Siobhan Haughey completed a clean sweep of the event in Singapore, having already won in Shanghai and Incheon.

2 Nov 2024 - 3:11PM

China-EU relations

Outside In | Italian fuss about China’s tiny tomato exports has bigger implications

Tomatoes are only China’s 708th biggest export. But the world is realising China can swamp markets with even small output shifts.

1 Nov 2024 - 5:32PMvideocam

Fashion

How Prada is driving sustainable change through ocean literacy and Re-Nylon

Former racing driver Lorenzo Bertelli champions sustainability through ocean awareness, promoting recycled Re-Nylon and shaping future consumer behaviour.

31 Oct 2024 - 4:00AM

Fifa

Chinese electronics firm Hisense becomes first sponsor for Fifa’s Club World Cup

Hisense will receive Video Assistant Referee branding during expanded 32-team competition set to take place in the US from June 15 to July 13.

30 Oct 2024 - 11:00PM

Multinational company Hisense, headquartered in Shandong, first became a Fifa sponsor in 2017. Photo: Matt Haldane

Food and Drinks

How gelato gangsters in Sicily were caught cold by Italian police

Sweet justice was served ice-cold when Italian police brought down a thriving mafia-run ice cream empire in Sicily. How did they do it?

29 Oct 2024 - 4:56AM

Tourism

Joy of missing out and the search for ‘detour’ travel destinations

From Brescia, Italy, to ‘China’s Hawaii’, alternative destinations draw ‘JOMO’ holidaymakers planning 2025 trips, travel websites say.

26 Oct 2024 - 11:08AM

European Union

Italy’s migrant deal stumbles as court blocks Albania deportations

The ruling represents an early roadblock to a five-year deal between Italy and Albania to address Europe’s refugee crisis.

19 Oct 2024 - 6:38PMvideocam

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Photo: EPA/EFE

China-EU relations

Exclusive | Chinese firm Nuctech wins EU tenders despite subsidies inquiry

Scanner maker awarded over €15 million in EU-financed contracts for equipment at Italian ports.

21 Oct 2024 - 11:47PMvideocam

Nuctech, a Chinese maker of scanning devices, has won EU-financed contracts even while under EU investigation for alleged subsidies violations. Image: Shutterstock

Space

The astronaut wears Prada – new spacesuit for Nasa moon mission revealed

The Italian luxury brand has teamed up with private company Axiom Space to provide garments for the Artemis 3 project.

17 Oct 2024 - 6:01AM

European Union

Italy sends first migrants to Albania under new deal

Italy has built two reception centres in Albania, in the first scheme by a EU nation to divert migrants to a non-EU country.

16 Oct 2024 - 6:56PM

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