The Italian judiciary's self-governing body, the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM), on Wednesday approved a document calling on Justice Minister Anna Maria Cancellieri to support judges "without any uncertainty" from attacks by former premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Romance in the city of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliette may soon get a bit more expensive.The City of Verona is considering charging visitors two euros each to enter the courtyard that legend says belongs to the home of Shakespeare's wretched Juliet, who died for love.

 Legislation permitting the experimental use of stem cells in medical therapies was approved Wednesday by Italian politicians on the social affairs committee. An amendment to existing law received unanimous approval for the testing of stem-cell therapy under controlled conditions approved by the Ministry of Health. 

 The World Cup is almost 12 months away, and Cesare Prandelli will feel that the Italian national team is on track to achieve their goal for Brazil 2014.The goal itself might be somewhat debatable, though, as some say that Italy should always be contenders due to their rich history; they are second only to Brazil as the most successful national team of all time, winning four world titles.

 Italy put in their best performance of the tournament so far in Zilina to reach their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship final by ending the dreams of hosts Slovakia. With the Slovaks' unlikely run to the last four capturing the home nation's imagination, the near 7,000 in attendance had real belief that the fairy tale would continue. However, an early Mario Pugliese strike swiftly brought into stark focus the tough task facing Ladislav Pecko's side, who toiled admirably for an unrealised equaliser, before Elio Capradossi sealed the Azzurrini's final spot with a 64th-minute effort.

 Italy’s recession is deepening and analysts see few signs of recovery this year, leaving the coalition government with little room for manoeuvre as it tries to move away from austerity towards stimulating growth through tax cuts.