Italian minister vows to keep Alitalia out from dispute with Benetton group

Motorway operator Atlantia is among investors sounded out by Alitalia commissioners in efforts to rescue the ailing airline, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli said on Friday. Speaking to Radio24, Toninelli said the government would keep Alitalia separate from a dispute with Atlantia over the Benetton family group's highway concessions following the deadly collapse of a bridge it operated.

"When you mix up dossiers you could be blackmailed ... the Alitalia deal is being handled by the commissioners," Toninelli said. "There is a number of important discussions which are taking place and Atlantia is among them."