Ivan Carvalho
Francesco Ricci Bitti
International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti spends his time travelling and courting investment. He opts for simple fare, choosing Parisian trattoria Convivium for his imaginary 'last meal'.
Europe
Turkish Military Academy, rebranding Italy and Angela Merkel's official transport of choice.
Legally briefed
Encounters with Italian law are frequently less than elegant, but one northern notary’s offices present a very civil partnership between clean modernity and solemn tradition.
Winning losers
Whether it’s due to poor infrastructure, inherent inefficiency or the occasional war, these five cities have not made the Top 25 list – but that doesn’t mean they’re not great places to live.
Europe
Finns aren't what they used to be - the rise of the Nordic suburbs; fighting crime in Stockholm and hitting new lows on the Milanese high street.
Signs of the times
You may not know its name, but you use its designs weekly. Italian company Solari revolutionised train and airport information boards in the 1950s and continues to innovate with modern technology.
Deli vision
Francesco Armandola’s Milan delicatessen opened in 1948. Now run by his son Giorgio, the shop continues to champion food with clear provenance, prioritising family-run firms above all else.
Sure footed
Bontoni shoes takes things slowly, producing just eight pairs a day. Their dedication is helping Montegranaro, Italy’s shoe town, take changes to the global footwear market in its stride.
Italian inquisition
In a media world dominated by reality TV, Milena Gabanelli’s ‘Report’ stands out. Since 1997, her investigations have tackled corruption in Italy head on, criticising politicians while other programmes cosy up.
A very civil service
Wise governments have long seen the benefits of outsourcing. But what if a state put all ministries out to tender? This is *Monocle*’s cabinet reshuffle, employing the best foreign governments and private companies.
