Chiomenti and d’urso Gatti have taken the lead roles on the failed rescue mission for Alitalia, fuelling rumours that the troubled Italian airline is close to a collapse.

CAI (Compagnia Aerea Italiana) – a consortium of investors led by businessman Roberto Colaninno – withdrew its offer to buy the carrier last Thursday (18 September) due to a lack of trade union support. It was reported that the deal would have cost taxpayers €2bn (£1.6bn).