Italian mass media about Putin's visit

Italian mass media calls the current meeting between Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi a "rehearsal" of the November official visit of the Russian President to Italy. According to reporters, the summer residence of the Italian president on Sardinia has been chosen to emphasize the "friendly character of Russian-Italian diplomacy." Political analysts agree that during the round of talks both sides will focus on making ties between Russia and the EU closer.

According to Italian newspaper Reppublica, the Italian Premier tried "to make the current meeting unforgettable." For instance, famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will sing during informal dinner attended by Mr. Putin and Mr. Berlusconi. Italian Prime Minister is expected to show Mr. Putin his unique collection of cactuses, which are, together with soccer, his passion.

For the entire duration of the three-day Putin's visit to Sardinia, heightened security regime is introduced in the resort town of Porto Rotondo, where Berlusconi's private residence is located.