Italy PM Conte calls "important" news conference for 1615 GMT

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte called a news conference for 16:15 GMT on Monday, saying he had "important things to say", as his ruling coalition squabbles and Brussels considers action over Italy's deteriorating public finances. Conte announced the news conference on Facebook, saying it would also be broadcast on the social media platform so that Italians can follow it live.

Several Italian newspapers reported on Monday that the premier plans to threaten to resign unless the fractious ruling parties settle their differences and get on with governing. (Reporting By Gavin Jones, editing by Giselda Vagnoni)