A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of a series of “unfounded attacks and outlandish claims” by Italian leaders.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was “unprecedented” since the end of World War Two.
It comes after Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French “yellow-vest” protesters near Paris on Tuesday.
France warned him not to interfere.
Relations between the two countries have been tense since Italy’s populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
BBC/JUDE