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Italy wins in Europe – The Brussels meeting on the future of the euro and the semi-final of the European soccer Cup were two important matches that Italy played on June 28, and both – as the foreign press emphasized – with magnificent results.

The Rome meeting and Mont’s mediation to save the euro. – “Ten days to save the euro” Mario Monti spoke to the foreign press before the 29 June EU meeting and the day before his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merke, French President François Hollande and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. In an interview to a number of major papers, published on June 22, the Italian Prime Minister underscored the need for concrete action to save the single currency.

Monti – Hollande, an axis for growth – Fears for the eurozone were once again the main theme of the news and the foreign press was focused on the June 14 Rome meeting between Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and French President François Hollande. The encounter was the first in a series of appointments over the next two weeks that will be decisive for the future of the euro.

Prada doubles its profits – No crisis for luxury goods, at least as far as Prada is concerned. The Italian fashion house just presented a record quarter report with profits more than doubled (+111% from late January to late April) and news from Bloomberg showed the company’s great performance on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange  (June 7 – Prada Soars in H.K. as Profit Doubles on Luxury Demand).

Much of the attention of the foreign press was understandably focused on the tragic aftermath of the earthquake in Emilia Romagna. Along with their dutiful covering of these events, newspapers abroad showcased positive aspects of Italy’s image, as seen through the major actors of its manufacturing sector – Fiat and Eni first of all – and by an overview of the main events on the cultural scene.

Armani’s “great revival” and a growing Prada – Amid the financial markets and the front-page news (especially the earthquake in Emilia-Romagna), the positive notes of Italy’s image in the foreign press this week came from the world of fashion.

Profits rise for IntesaSanPaolo, things get better for Generali – More quarterly reports are out and the foreign press highlighted Italian groups.

Quarterly results and International strategies – While quarterly results were being published, the international press focused on Italian businesses that have proven their ability to steer through the turbulent waters of the crisis.

The return of the “two Marios” – With elections in Europe and the uncertainties of the market, the foreign press took another look at the “two Marios” (as they are often called in the international press): Prime Minister Monti and Central European Bank President Draghi. Microphones were turned up during the ECB meeting in Barcelona to hear the words of the former Government of the Bank of Italy.

Luxury, culture and Italy’s positive image. The attention of the international press remained focused on Italian events, in particular government bonds, reforms and political issues. They were also interested in news from the manufacturing sector and the world of culture.