Monday-Saturday - Davis Cup Finals in Bologna
Italy defends its Davis Cup title at the Final 8 in Bologna throughout this week. The Italian team, led by world number one Jannik Sinner, seeks a historic hat-trick after winning the last two editions.
Quarter-finals include Italy vs Austria, France vs Belgium, Spain vs Czech Republic, and Argentina vs Germany. Matches are held at the Super Tennis Arena at BolognaFiere.
Tuesday, November 18th - Home appliance discount scheme opens
Applications for Italy's new appliance discount scheme open at 7am, offering households up to €200 towards energy-efficient fridges, washing machines and other large appliances.
With €48 million in funding available on a first-come, first-served basis, those planning to replace aging appliances are advised to apply early - find out more in our article.
Tuesday, November 18th - Ex-Ilva steelworks talks
Government officials meet union representatives for new talks on the future of the troubled ex-Ilva steelworks in Taranto.
The discussions follow the government's recent proposal to sell the plant to a foreign buyer and transition to green steel production over four years, a plan unions called "unacceptable" as it would make 6,000 workers redundant.
Wednesday, November 19th - National healthcare strike
Doctors, nurses and medical staff plan a 24-hour walkout on Wednesday to protest staff shortages, poor contract terms and a lack of funding for the national health service.
Scheduled appointments, diagnostic tests and non-emergency services may face cancellations on this date. Urgent care services including emergency rooms will be open as normal.
Friday, November 21st - Madonna della Salute festival, Venice
Venice celebrates the 'Festival of Our Lady of Good Health', commemorating the end of the 1631 plague that killed some 47,000 people.
Thousands visit the Basilica della Salute for Mass before feasting on traditional castradina (mutton and cabbage stew). A temporary bridge across the Grand Canal provides access to the basilica. See more info on the city's tourism website.
Saturday, November 22nd - Christmas markets open
Verona's Christmas market launches, running until December 28th. Twinned with Nuremberg's Christkindlmarkt, it features German and Italian traditions with stalls in Piazza dei Signori selling sauerkraut, strudel and zabaione.
In Tuscany, Montepulciano's market also opens this weekend (weekends only until December 14th) featuring wooden stalls around Piazza Grande and Santa's castle in the medieval fortress. Read more about Italy's Christmas markets this winter.
Sunday-Monday - Elections in three regions
Voters in Campania, Veneto and Puglia are set to elect new regional councillors and governors, with polls open on Sunday 23rd from 7am-11pm and then again on Monday from 7am-3pm.
In Campania, right-wing candidate Edmondo Cirielli faces Roberto Fico of M5S. The elections are seen as a key test for Meloni's coalition, which currently governs 14 of Italy's 20 regions.
Initial results are expected to come in late on Monday evening after polls close.
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