The Top 5 Italian News Stories of 01.02

Sexual Assault Allegation at Magnolia Club in Milan

A 22-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted during the New Year’s Eve party at the Magnolia Club near Milan’s Idroscalo. Authorities are investigating the incident, reviewing security footage, and gathering testimonies from attendees. The shocking claim has sparked renewed discussions on safety protocols at large-scale events.

Tragic Discovery of a Deceased Newborn in Bari

In Bari, a one-month-old baby was found dead inside a thermal cradle at San Giovanni Battista Church. The cradle’s alarm system failed to activate, raising questions about its functionality. Authorities suspect the baby was already deceased when placed there. Investigations are ongoing to determine responsibility, with a potential charge of child abandonment resulting in death.

Government Summit on Cecilia Sala’s Detention in Iran

The Italian government is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran for allegedly violating the country’s laws. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led a high-level meeting, and the EU’s Kaja Kallas joined the calls for her immediate release. Italian officials have also demanded humane treatment and consular access to Sala, whose detention conditions have raised serious concerns.

Swisscom Acquires Vodafone Italy

Swiss telecom giant Swisscom, owner of Fastweb, has finalized its acquisition of Vodafone Italy, creating a new entity called Fastweb + Vodafone. With the merger completed on December 31, the company becomes the second-largest broadband provider in Italy and the leading operator for FTTH (Fiber to the Home) connections. The €8 billion deal is expected to bolster investment in network innovation and infrastructure.

Mourning in haute couture as Rosita Missoni passes away.

Rosita Missoni, a prominent figure in Italian haute couture and the Made in Italy movement, has passed away at the age of 93. Born in Golasecca, Varese, into a family of textile artisans, she remained closely connected to her roots, particularly in Sumirago, where she and her husband Ottavio, whom she married in 1953, founded the renowned Missoni brand. Known for its vibrant colors, the Missoni label quickly gained international recognition, with its distinctive clothing and accessories showcased in fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, London, and New York. The Missoni success story began in a small basement in Gallarate in 1953 and later moved to their home-studio in Sumirago. Rosita recounted how Ottavio envisioned their factory on a picturesque agricultural plot with views of Monte Rosa, emphasizing their commitment to staying connected to their origins while achieving global success.