Italy is Europe's weakest energy link, with 75% imported energy and its premier distancing from Trump.
The episode opens by framing Italy as an increasingly embarrassing ally for the U.S., with Meloni distancing herself from Trump due to the Iran war, which Italy opposed from its start on February 28. Al Jazeera and Wall Street Journal report on this shift, noting Meloni was once Trump's most convinced supporter in Europe. Polls show Italian favorability toward the U.S. president fell from 35% to 19%, with a referendum no vote seen as protest against Trump proximity. Roberto D'Alimonte, interviewed by Al Jazeera, describes Meloni as cautious and pragmatic. Italy refuses U.S. requests to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz or allow bomber refueling at a southern base. Radio France highlights Italy's energy crisis, importing 75% of its needs versus 66% for Germany and under 50% for France. The Bank of Italy predicts zero growth for 2026 and possible recession in 2027, amid rising military spending. The Neuer Zürcher Zeitung profiles John Elkann as the 'gravedigger of the auto industry,' detailing Fiat's decline to 1950s production levels and loss of over 10,000 jobs. Reuters reports the Italian government plans to replace Roberto Cingolani as CEO of Leonardo, causing an 8% stock drop despite the company's 780% growth since the Ukraine invasion. Lorenzo Mariani is favored as successor. The Financial Times notes market displeasure at changing leadership during a boom. The host speculates Meloni is irritated by Cingolani's loyalty to Defense Minister Crosetto ahead of elections. The episode closes with a story from West France about a Romanian worker in Abruzzo whose 500,000 euro lottery gift to his partner leads to her disappearance and a legal dispute over splitting the winnings.
