ROME — Even as Europe’s debt crisis sharply escalates, the region’s two largest economies, Germany and France , appear increasingly divided over how and whether to deploy large-scale financial firepower to calm nervous markets . As France, Europe’s second-largest economy, becomes swept up in the market turbulence, it is calling for more radical steps. But Germany, by far the region’s largest economy and still viewed as a safe haven for investors, is far more cautious. Read full article > >

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European financial crisis: A growing gap between France and Germany

ROME — Premier Mario Monti formed a new Italian government without a single politician Wednesday, drawing from the ranks of bankers, diplomats and business executives to create a team to steer Italy away from financial disaster. The 68-year-old former European Union competition commissioner told reporters he will serve as Italy’s economy minister as well as its premier as he seeks “sacrifices” from across the political spectrum to solve the economy’s woes and get it growing again. Read full article > >

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Economist Monti forms new Italian govt with no politicians to rescue nation from disaster

ROME — As Silvio Berlusconi sought to explain his decision this week to heed calls to resign in the midst of a mounting debt crisis , the man who ruled Italy for the better part of two decades turned to the words of Il Duce. Berlusconi compared his sense of betrayal and isolation after being asked to step aside, even by some of his lieutenants, to musings Benito Mussolini once wrote in letters to a lover. “At a certain point he says: ‘Don’t you understand I don’t count for anything anymore?’ ” Berlusconi told the La Stampa newspaper. “I have felt in the same situation.” Read full article > >

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Silvio Berlusconi to leave legacy of playboy politician

ROME — Under intense pressure to fend off a full-blown debt crisis , Italy’s fractious lawmakers appeared to be coalescing Thursday around an emergency plan that could see Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi step down this weekend to make way for an interim government headed by a political outsider, Mario Monti. Read full article > >

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Italy’s political class struggles for consensus

ROME — With his nation swept up in a mounting debt crisis, Italy’s embattled Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was scrambling to shore up his political base ahead of a vote in Parliament later Tuesday that could expose just how much support he has lost within his ruling coalition and set the stage for a confidence vote on his government. Read full article > >

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Italy’s Berlusconi faces crucial vote amid mounting debt crisis

ROME — Italy’s government approved €45.5 billion ($64.84 billion) Friday in emergency austerity measures over two years to balance the budget by 2013 in response to demands by the European Central Bank. The Cabinet approved the package of cuts and new taxes despite fierce resistance from local government officials, who denounced the measures as socially unjust and as damaging to economic growth. “It wasn’t easy. We’re personally pained to have taken these measures, but we are satisfied,” Premier Silvio Berlusconi told a news conference after feverish talks with the opposition, regional governors and big city mayors. Read full article > >

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Italian govt approves new measures worth €45.5 billion in 2 years to balance budget by 2013

Novak Djokovic stretches his unbeaten run to 39 matches with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Rome Masters.

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Djokovic powers to Rome victory

Roger Federer crashes out of the Rome Masters in round three, losing 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-7 (4-7) to Richard Gasquet.

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Federer beaten by Gasquet in Rome

Andy Murray battles into the third round of the Rome Masters with a seesaw victory over Belgium’s Xavier Malisse.

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Murray battles to Malisse victory

The Washington Nationals’ No. 1 pick, playing for the Hagerstown Suns, goes 2 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base in a 3-2 win over the Rome Braves.

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Bryce Harper makes minor league baseball debut in Rome, Ga.

A comedy about euthanasia, originally named after the Swiss assisted suicide organisation Dignitas, wins top prize at the Rome film festival.

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Euthanasia comedy lauded in Rome

Actresses Keira Knightley and Eva Mendes avoid the red carpet at the Rome Film Festival opening after protesters picket the event.

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Protests delay Rome festival gala

Keira Knightley film Last Night, also starring Clash of the Titans’ Sam Worthington, is to open the Rome Film Festival.

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Keira Knightley film to open Rome