With Italy in lock down there’s music on the balconies of Rome’s apartment blocks, but it’s not Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Five days ago the The European Court of Justice fined Italy €7.5 million for ‘illegal’ state-aid to Sardinia’s struggling hotel industry. It must also pay €80,000 for each day the fine remains unpaid.
Though the sums are small it’s the thought that counts. That and the timing. But back to that music. Hear Nessun Dorma segue into the Italian National Anthem and then – here’s why – the Chinese.