Some of the heaviest traffic of the summer is forecast in the coming days as people across Italy make their way home before the return to work and school.

Nine cities under red alert as heatwave peaks, foreign ministry says three Italians still missing after Nepal floods, and more news on Friday.

With Italy preparing to go back to work, politicians will be turning their attention to the challenges ahead - and there are some big ones waiting when parliament reopens.

From a colorful paper lantern parade through Florence to an internationally attended literature fest in Mantua, there are plenty of things to do in Italy this month.

Why not add this phrase to your Italian vocabulary?