ItalyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1965
Ownership
Italy's main business and financial daily, formed in 1965 from the merger of Il Sole (1865) and 24 Ore (1933). It is published by Il Sole 24 ORE S.p.A., which has been listed on the Milan stock exchange since 2007 but remains majority-controlled by Confindustria, the General Confederation of Italian Industry (the national employers'/industrialists' federation).
Funding
Financed through subscriptions and newsstand/digital sales, advertising, professional information and training services, and as a listed company; it has at times required recapitalisation support from its controlling shareholder Confindustria after heavy losses.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially pro-market, business-oriented and broadly centre-right on economic policy. Because its controlling owner is Confindustria, an organised industrial-employer interest group rather than a neutral commercial proprietor, classifying it as DEPENDENT (centre-right) is defensible, reflecting an interest-group rather than party or state tie.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 303
84/100
Factual
79/100
Objective
358
Articles
354
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Melons tomorrow afternoon in Amatrice for the 10th anniversary of the earthquake
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced her participation in a commemorative ceremony in Amatrice on the tenth anniversary of the August 24, 2016 earthquake. The event marks a significant moment in the ongoing reconstruction efforts in central Italy, which have faced delays and challenges. In a preface to a book titled 'Le pietre della rinascita,' Meloni highlights the government's commitment to accelerating reconstruction, emphasizing both private and public sector progress. She acknowledges the remaining work needed and underscores the importance of rebuilding communities, cultural landmarks, and the broader social and economic identity of the region. The book documents the restoration of historical and artistic heritage affected by the disaster.
Inps: three million young people use digital services
The article reports on the results of the 'INPS per i giovani' initiative launched by the Italian National Institute for Social Security (Inps), aimed at improving engagement with young people aged 18 to 34. The portal dedicated to this group recorded 3.3 million visits and 2.8 million unique visitors within a year of its launch. President Gabriele Fava emphasized the need for a new pact based on three pillars: partnership, platforms, and conscious providence. He highlighted the importance of early involvement in the social security system, arguing that pension systems must prepare for the future by engaging young people from the start of their careers. The initiative includes efforts to simplify access to services like contribution statements, scholarship bonuses, and other benefits through digital tools and social media outreach.
Long: We don't cooperate with criminals, can the government say the same?
The Italian Ministry of Interior, led by Minister Matteo Piantedosi, has imposed a 45-day detention and a €7,500 fine on the German-flagged vessel Sea Watch 5 for allegedly violating Italian maritime rescue regulations. The ministry accused the NGO of failing to cooperate with competent authorities during a rescue operation on August 13, 2026, where the ship rescued six people in international waters. In response, Sea Watch Italy criticized the decision, arguing that they did not collaborate with criminals and questioned whether the Italian government could make similar claims. The NGO further alleged that the Libyan coastguard, which they describe as a 'front organization' for traffickers, was the authority that obstructed their operations.
Drugs and gun in the house, arrested in Milan rapper Tony Boy
A 26-year-old rapper named Tony Boy, known for having over a million followers on Instagram, was arrested by Italian police in Milan. The rapper was found in possession of cocaine, marijuana, hashish, a pistol with a worn serial number, and approximately fifty bullets. He was charged with drug trafficking and illegal weapon possession. Additionally, he was reported in absentia for resisting authorities, receiving stolen goods, and illegally processing personal data by recording the search and broadcasting it live on social media.
Pensions, Calderone: the newborn pension fund is under study
The Italian Ministry of Labor, led by Minister Marina Calderone, is considering the introduction of a pension fund for newborns, which would initially be funded by public contributions and later by family and beneficiary payments. This proposal has received support from various institutions such as Inps, Covip, and Ania. Calderone mentioned that feasibility studies show the fund could start with small initial contributions, similar to a German initiative involving monthly payments of €10. Additionally, she reiterated efforts to maintain tax incentives for contract renewals and productivity contracts, noting positive outcomes from these measures in 2026. The proposal aligns with broader labor reforms aimed at enhancing workforce training and adapting to technological changes, including increased funding for skills development programs supported by European funds. Meanwhile, Sottosegretario Claudio Durigon of the League emphasized the need for flexibility in retirement age, suggesting allowing workers to retire at 64 if they choose, particularly in light of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence in businesses.
The race is on, gasoline is flying at €2,200 on the motorway.
Fuel prices continue to rise in Italy during the first weekend of the return travel period after Ferragosto, with diesel reaching 2,200 euros per liter on highways. The average price of self-service gasoline along national roads is 2,008 euros per liter, while on highways it has increased to 2,085 euros. Diesel prices are similarly high, at 2,128 euros per liter on national roads and 2,200 euros on highways. These figures were reported by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Consumer advocacy group Codacons warns that returning home from vacation could become a significant financial burden for many Italians, estimating that a 500-kilometer trip could cost around 69 euros just for fuel, plus additional costs for tolls and stops along the way. For families traveling longer distances, these expenses could add up to nearly 300 euros, adding pressure to household budgets ahead of a costly September.
Salvini opens up to northerners: willing to strengthen the team with governors, ministers, mayors
Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy’s League Party (Lega), addressed internal divisions within his party during a speech at the Lega’s event in Pinzolo. He acknowledged criticism from northern factions of his leadership but stated he is open to strengthening his team by including regional governors, ministers, and mayors. Salvini emphasized the need for fiscal reforms targeting banks, suggesting that reclaiming a portion of their profits would benefit pensions, employment, and security. He also reiterated his hardline stance on immigration, criticizing Germany for returning legal immigrants while allowing NGOs to bring undocumented migrants into Italy. Additionally, Salvini defended his policies against critics like Vannacci, stating that actions, not just proposals, should determine credibility on immigration and security issues.
Data centers in Italy: a boom in requests to the Terna network (+48%)
The article reports on the rapid growth of data centers in Italy, highlighting a significant increase in electricity connection requests to the grid managed by Terna. As of August 21, there were 95.38 gigawatts of new project connections requested, up from just 1 gigawatt in 2021. The demand has surged from 5.40 GW in 2023 to 31.28 GW in 2024, primarily concentrated in northern regions like Lombardy, which alone accounts for 290 applications for 46 GW, mostly located in Milan. While over 530 applications have been submitted since the start of the year, only 15 have reached more advanced stages of maturity, indicating many requests remain pending. In August alone, eight new applications totaling 0.87 GW were registered, while six others expired. The majority of applicants are companies involved in design, development, or renewable energy projects, with a smaller portion being direct data center operators or investment funds.
Child dies in Palermo from diphtheria, parents investigated
A four-year-old girl named Anna Rosa Bartolotta died in Palermo from diphtheria, leading to criminal investigations against her parents for negligent homicide. The child had not been vaccinated immediately after birth at the request of her parents, who opted out of vaccinations despite Italy’s mandatory vaccination laws. Procurator Laura Vaccaro has included both parents in the investigation register pending an autopsy, allowing them to appoint legal representatives. The decision to investigate followed confirmation that the couple’s five children were not vaccinated by choice. Prosecutors are reviewing the child’s medical records from August 13, starting with her first hospitalization at the Cervello Hospital, which lasted just two hours. Subsequent hospitalizations on August 15 worsened her condition, and diphtheria was diagnosed on August 16. Immediate measures were taken to prevent infection, including antibiotics and revaccination of medical staff who had contact with the child.
The cost of current accounts has gone up 23% in 10 years.
In Italia, il costo di gestione di un conto corrente è aumentato del 23% negli ultimi dieci anni, passando da 82,2 euro a 101,1 euro. L'aumento è principalmente dovuto alle spese variabili, che sono cresciute del 34,2%, e alle spese per disposizioni, che hanno visto un incremento del 62,6%. Al contrario, le spese fisse sono aumentate solo dell'1,6%. Simultaneamente, i depositi bancari delle famiglie sono cresciuti del 28,3%, raggiungendo 1.163 miliardi di euro a fine maggio 2026. Tuttavia, ci sono grandi disparità regionali: la Lombardia detiene il 20% del totale, mentre province come Crotone e Sassari mostrano valori significativamente inferiori. L'aumento reale della 'ricchezza' risulta inferiore all'inflazione, con un incremento del 4,7% dopo compensare l'inflazione.
2027: from the deficit to the EU's judgment, closing stages for the budgetary session
The article discusses the upcoming 2027 budget maneuver (manovra 2027) in Italy, highlighting the tight process involving ministries, Parliament, and the European Commission. Key factors include the revised national accounts data from ISTAT, which will determine the real margins for the 2027 budget. The Italian government must prepare the Programmatic Document of Public Finance (DPFP) by early October, followed by submitting the Budget Document (DPB) to Brussels by October 15th. The budget will need to balance fiscal discipline with political demands, especially ahead of the next elections. The article outlines the timeline and key steps in the budget process, emphasizing the importance of meeting EU deficit targets.
Explosion in a building in Perugia, two seriously injured
An explosion occurred around 9:30 AM in a four-story building located at via Giambattista Vico in Perugia. According to initial reports by firefighters, people were involved in the incident, and the roof of the building collapsed. Firefighters from the Perugia command arrived at the scene using a ladder truck, along with two on-duty officials. Two individuals were injured in the blast and are currently receiving treatment at the local hospital in serious condition. No one is reported missing. The building is situated in the immediate outskirts of the city, and investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. A neighbor described witnessing a woman leaning out of a window on the fourth floor before she disappeared, and he heard someone shouting, 'Don’t jump, don’t jump.' He later saw her being taken away while still alive. The explosion was reportedly very loud, like a bomb going off, followed by a cloud of smoke. Debris such as glass, wood, and other fragments fell onto nearby balconies and rooftops, including a broken window found on the rooftop of a neighboring lower building.
Towards the maneuver, they pop off the 13th tax and confirm bonus moms
The Italian government is preparing its upcoming budget (manovra), with discussions focusing on potential tax cuts and family support measures. Marco Osnato, president of the Finance Committee in the Chamber of Deputies and member of FDI, has proposed reducing taxes on thirteenth-month salaries by replacing the standard IRPEF with a lower rate of either 15% or 10%, which could save workers between €200 and €500 depending on their income. Additionally, there are plans to renew the tax exemption on salary increases from collective labor agreements and maintain existing benefits for mothers, including the 'bonus mamme' (mother’s allowance). These proposals aim to support families and businesses through measures like enhanced amortization rules and credit incentives for zones of economic development (ZES). The government also seeks to boost research and innovation while ensuring these policies translate into increased investments by small and medium enterprises.