The school year opens this week in many parts of Italy, but teachers and councils in some southern regions say the heat remains too intense for a return to the classroom.

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.

The 24-hour nationwide strike impacting train travel is expected to cause cancellations and delays, with some long-distance and regional services guaranteed.

Nationwide strike to disrupt Italian train travel from Monday night, Florence holds vigil for Lorena Isceri as femicide toll mounts, and more news on Monday.

From a slew of transport strikes to back-to-school dates and a new international train route, here's what to expect in Italy this week.