Italy's
Prime Minister has said that Europe's third largest economy will see growth of
only "around zero" this year.
Matteo
Renzi's forecast is lower than the government's previous prediction and comes
as the economy tackles its third recession in a decade.
"I
am not optimistic," Mr Renzi said in a pre-recorded interview to be aired
later on Tuesday. It is the first time he has put a figure on likely growth.
Lacklustre
growth will do little to help the eurozone's own economic woes.
The
Italian economy's slowdown over the first half of this year has raised
questions over whether Mr Renzi can meet his promise to cut spending, while
also boosting growth and halting the rise in unemployment.
He
came to power in February on a programme of tackling red tape and
