Italy is preparing to deploy 500 troops to Milan following violent unrest in the city, under a proposal put forward by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
The measure is included in a legislative decree expected to be approved by the Italian cabinet on Tuesday, 20 October.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the initiative has become a key focus of government discussions, with Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini already publicly welcoming the move.
In a social media post, Salvini hailed the decision as a “victory for the League”, adding: “From words to action.”
Formal approval of the deployment is expected at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
Emergency meeting chaired by Meloni
The proposed deployment follows an emergency government meeting chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on public order and the recent disturbances in Milan.
During the meeting, the government agreed to move swiftly towards adopting a new legislative decree introducing tougher security measures.
🚨🇮🇹 My advice as a friend to anyone visiting Italy: avoid Milan! Avoid Milan at all costs, because right now, I assure you, it’s not safe And you know you can trust me https://t.co/f33RVSfC2N
— Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) October 19, 2026
According to Corriere della Sera, the proposed legislation will include an extension of preventive police detention measures to minors, alongside new provisions targeting youth gangs.
It will also introduce restrictions on public gatherings involving individuals responsible for vandalism and looting.
Another key provision will increase the number of Italian military personnel stationed in Milan under Operation Safe Streets, an existing security initiative in which soldiers support efforts to maintain public safety.
The additional deployment comes amid heightened tensions in the city following successive days of unrest, vandalism and looting.
The government’s proposed measures are expected to receive formal approval at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
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