The 2020 Italian budget will not deviate significantly from EU rules, Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri responded to a question by Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis and Pierre Moscovici on Thursday.

Gualtieri admitted to a "slight deterioration" of the deficit to the tune of 0.1% and there is a request for 0.2% of flexibility for exceptional events.

However, he made the case that the budget is founded on "prudent estimates" and Italy can outperform as the country moves towards fiscal conso...