Italians are more confident about spending

National statistics agency Istat said on Wednesday that its consumer-confidence index rose to 101.1 points in September,  the highest since the start of the recession in 2011, and up from 98.4 points in August.

Italians are feeling more optimistic about the country's economy and their own cash-flow, while expectations for an improvement in the employment situation rose from 68 to 72 points, the report said.

Despite the boost in consumer confidence, Italy is still has a way to go with dealing with its economic strife after a report earlier this week found that almost five million people – double the figure in 2008 – are living in poverty.