Trump's announcement of universal tariffs with immediate effect dominated coverage, with markets destabilizing and gold reaching record highs. Von der Leyen promised EU retaliation, stating "we didn't start the conflict" but are "ready to take revenge," while Salvini criticized this confrontational approach.
The murder of 22-year-old nursing student Sara Campanella in Messina shocked Italy. Authorities detained 27-year-old university colleague Stefano Argentino who had reportedly harassed her for two years. Sara's final voice message to friends saying "the sick one is following me" circulated widely in reporting.
Other developments included JD Vance planning an April 18-20 visit to Rome with potential meetings with Meloni, Ukrainian forces losing ground in the Kursk region, and a Scottish tourist dying in a building collapse in Rome's Monteverde district.
Pharmaceuticals industry warned tariffs could cost Italy €2.5 billion in exports.