The funding crisis in the Eurozone extends to fears of potential government default in the large economies of Spain and Italy

The theatre in Florence's great new cultural centre, the Parco della Cascine, is inaugurated is celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy

The Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia crashes into a rock near the Italian island of Giglio, killing 32 people

Experts who gave tragically wrong earthquake advice at L'Aquila in 2009 are given six-year sentences for manslaughter

Benni Stefano, Italy's leading satirical novelist, publishes Di tutti le ricchezze ("Of all the riches") about unexpected disturbances in the quiet life of a retired professor

In the italian election Beppe Grillo's new Five Star Movement wins 25% of the votes but refuses to join any coalition

The Italian Senate expels Silvio Berlusconi because of his conviction for tax fraud