Rome in advanced talks to endorse Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative despite EU warning

Brussels says public list has spurred countries to meet international standards

Stance has attracted powerful supporters, in establishment as well as among populists

Arguments over Turin-Lyon line raises tensions in coalition government

Dispute comes as two parties prepare to meet over controversial TAV rail link

Airline’s potential deal with state rail operator poses risks in tough European market

White House hits out at plan to sign agreement that is likely to alarm Brussels

European Commission says Rome has backtracked on reforms

Poor showing raises questions on stability of coalition before European elections

Centrist former PM hails Emmanuel Macron and laments Rome’s loss of influence

Online poll of members votes against pushing for League leader’s immunity to be lifted

Using asset to fund spending ‘an interesting idea’, says deputy prime minister

Strains within coalition as campaigning ramps up ahead of EU elections

Italy’s deputy PM Di Maio met ‘gilets jaunes’ protesters outside Paris

Italy’s worsening demographics pile pressure on growth and public finances

Recession feared but government insists spending can correct years of anaemic growth

Country’s economy shrank by 0.2 per cent in last quarter of 2018

Paris shocked by increasing stream of criticism from Rome’s coalition leadership

League leader links migration crisis with French colonial history

Activists worry that pact with far-right League has dulled anti-establishment spirit

Welfare payments to be improved and retirement age reduced for some workers