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That party’s leader, former general Roberto Vannacci, is openly sympathetic to Russia and opposes aiding Ukraine, arguing that Europe is wasting its money as Russia’s military “continues to advance” on the ground.
At a recent event in Tuscany, he described himself as “neither pro-Putin nor pro-Russian” but “pro-Italian”.
Crosetto brushed off questions about Vannacci, including on whether his views reflected those of many Italians, saying he had more “serious matters to deal with”.
But, perhaps to underline the difference, he was unequivocal on Russia.
“When one state crosses another state’s border with tanks, when it bombs hospitals and schools, kills civilians and bombs power plants, and has been doing so for four years, I can only describe that as evil,” he said.
But Italians, like many Europeans, are seeing prices go up, driven by the high cost of energy.
During street protests in Rome on Friday, where firecrackers were thrown, secondary school students complained that resources were being diverted to arms, instead of education.
Some chanted: “We want more classroom, not more bombs.”
In southern Italy, truckers have begun blocking roads complaining at the hike in fuel prices.
Polls here regularly show that a majority of Italians want an end to military aid for Ukraine. One, conducted for the Ixè institute in September, put support for continuing to supply arms at just 18%.
There are many factors behind that, from a long-standing pacifist tradition to a history of strong business ties to Moscow. Unlike Poland or the Baltic states, Italy feels physically distant from the danger, too.
But the defence minister also blamed an active campaign of disinformation by Moscow – targeting, he said, “certain political figures… and narratives to weaken the political climate against Russia”.
“In some way they shift public opinion,” the minister argued.
“It’s very hard to explain to a citizen who’s having trouble at the petrol pump that we can’t give any concessions to Russia right now. But that’s the only way to defend the future of that very citizen who’s complaining.”
Italy has not been targeted for major acts of sabotage, unlike other allies of Ukraine in Europe.
The minister said a fire at an arms depot outside Rome in August was not arson, but “human stupidity”.
A report last month that Russia was planning to launch drone attacks at Italy, France and Spain from the container ships in the Mediterranean was not proven, Crosetto also told us.
But cyber-attacks, which he linked to Russia, were now routine – “there are hundreds every day” – and he believed Europe had been too weak in its response.
“You can’t win a war… if you don’t fight back,” the minister said.
With additional reporting from Rome by Davide Ghiglione.
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