Rumours suggest the bid for Banco Bpm has been called off, but Siena denies this: “Business plan confirmed”. Meanwhile, Crédit Agricole remains the uninvited guest in this game of Risk, playing a decisive role in any move involving Banco Bpm

“The moment I hear the word ‘taxes’, I break out in hives,” says the Foreign Secretary. Senator Borghi of the Carroccio responds to the Foreign Secretary: “If Tajani has other priorities, let him say so.” Costa (FI): “Demagogic naivety from the Lega”

The paradox of the banking game of Risk: the more politicians shape the landscape, the more they must rely on the market. MPS’s move regarding BPM and Banca Generali, the divisions at Chigi, the setbacks regarding the third political bloc, and the games still to be played

The Democratic Party’s economics spokesperson has expressed his agreement with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: the state should remain a shareholder in Monte. Intesa Sanpaolo’s offer

The CEO of MPS, whilst convinced that a merger with BPM is the best way to preserve Siena’s integrity, would not go so far as to sign off on an alternative proposal to Intesa that has no chance of success. Meanwhile, the puzzle remains incomplete

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to say how this will end. To say, however, that Italian banks – thanks to the banking crisis – have demonstrated their strength, vitality and ambition is a fact that offers an interesting insight into the future of our country. Stories, highlights and the future