Economy – The Italian economy is showing signs of recovery: the Chinese press agency Xinhua emphasizes improved employment in the second quarter (September 14 – Italy’s employment improves in Q2: statistics), while Reuters publishes initial forecasts estimating GDP growing by 6% in 2021 (September 15 – Italy to forecast GDP growth around 6% this year, above 4% in 2022, sources say). According to the German daily Boersen Zeitung, after “20 months of stoppage,” the Italian economy is looking at a “Made in Italy boom,” and it is “Milan guiding growth, thanks to luxury brands” (September 15 – Made in Italy boomt*). Le Monde also celebrates the sector’s liveliness with a final roundup of the Supersalone del Mobile where, “amid celebrations of grand names in Italian design and innovation in materials, the Lombard capital has again transformed itself into the epicentre of creativity” (September 10 – Design : à Milan, l’art de la matière*).
In corporate coverage, Reuters deals with the agreement between Eni and Aeroporti di Roma (a subsidiary of Atlantia) for the development of a “biofuel for aviation” to “fight climate change” (September 14 – Eni, Atlantia unit join forces to develop aviation biofuel), while The Washington Post analyzes the partnership between Facebook and RayBan, a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica, to make “smart” glasses (The Washington Post, September 9 – Facebook, Ray-Ban launch smart glasses — who will wear them?*).
Lastly, Les Echos runs an article dedicated to the Italian fintech start-up Scalapay, which has just collected € 155 million in investments to finance its growth (September 9 – Scalapay, fintech italienne du paiement fractionné, lève 155 millions de dollars*).
Culture – In culture, die Zeit pays homage to the artist Lucio Fontana (September 15 – Das Rätsel von Mailand) and celebrates the “value of the Divine Comedy” 700 years after Dante’s death (September 14 – Erst Verbannung, dann Triumph). In the meantime, Le Monde publishes a speech by Carlo Ratti on the installation at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, dedicated to the artist Christo (September 11 – Carlo Ratti : « Pour honorer Christo, déballez l’Arc de triomphe ! »*).
Tourism and wine & food – In tourism, Financial Times offers a roundup, from the Aeolian Islands to the Langa regions, of the best “autumn escapes to Italy,” now when “beaches are quieter and the sun’s still warm” (September 12 – The best autumn escapes to Italy*). The British daily also visits Mont Blanc to follow the Ultra Trail that winds its way between Italy and France (September 15 – Chasing the world’s top ultra-runners around Mont Blanc*). And while die Zeit stops in Piedmont to talk about the fresh corn polenta in the local tradition (September 10 – Wie ein Risotto aus Mais), Financial Times discovers Tuscany in London, at the new restaurant opened by Ferragamo where the products of the family estate are served (September 9 – A feast with the Ferragamos *).
Sport – Sport is also covered, with the German news outlets recounting Italy’s victory in men’s volleyball in the quarterfinals against Germany (September 15 in Sueddeutsche Zeitung –
Deutsche Volleyballer ohne Chance gegen Italien and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung – „Das war ein schlechtes Spiel“).
* article available for pay/upon registration