Economy Minister Tria sees Italy's deficit/GDP at 2.1/2.2pc in 2019

ROME: Economy Minister Giovanni Tria said on Tuesday Italy's deficit-to-GDP ratio for 2019, is heading towards 2.1pc or 2.2pc, according to the latest figures.

Tria, addressing the lower house of parliament, said the government will have a clearer picture in July, after the arrival of mid-year tax returns, but the deficit would be below the government's own official target of 2.4pc and the Commission's projection of 2.5pc.

The European Commission has threatened to open a disciplinary procedure over Italy's public debt, which according to Brussels will rise to 133.7pc this year and 135.2pc in 2020, breaking EU rules that say it should fall.