New restoration techniques mean 1546 painting could be ready for display by 50th anniversary of Arno bursting its banks.
Journalism
Santa gang rob Albanian jewellery store
Special unit hunts Father Christmases after men in Santa gear hold up Tirana jewellers and flee with full sacks on Christmas Eve.
Pope addresses first Christmas message to those hoping for better world
Francis is greeted by screams as he delivers message at St Peter’s, saying thoughts at Christmas turn to the most vulnerable.
Italian army reservist to be prosecuted for saving cat’s life in Kosovo
Barbara Balanzoni, who saved dying cat while serving as a medical officer at a Nato base, is charged with insubordination.
Italian prosecutors investigate claims of restaurants serving dolphin
A journalist secretly filmed a meal including a salad dressed with flakes of dried dolphin.
Heading off the populists
Enrico Letta is fighting for the survival of his government
Vatican clean-up ‘has not sorted out scandal-hit bank and asset managers’
Council of Europe body finds Holy See regulators need more resources as more reports tell of suspect transactions.
Italy: rise of young mayor signals the end of ‘grey power’
Matteo Renzi, 38, who is tipped to become head of centre-left party, is one of group of politicians hoping to rejuvenate country.
Seven deaths foretold
An explosive cocktail of high fashion, low pay and poor conditions.