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Italy will become a strong friend to Britain in an attempt to resolve the deadlocked Brexit talks, as leading figures of the new government hit out at Michel Barnier's punishment tactics. Brussels' negotiator chief Mr Barnier has intensified his aggressive rhetoric against the British as the Brexit talks continue to stall ahead of a crucial June European Council summit. Just this week, Mr Barnier lashed out at the UK during an interview with Vice News, declaring that the European Union does "not want to negotiate" with Britain any further. However, according to the new Italian government, this Brexit approach looks set to crumble as the Italians lead a European pushback.

The new government was sworn into power yesterday during a ceremony with the President Sergio Mattarella. Members of the anti-establishment government have already outlined key battle lines with the EU elites. Government representatives have promised an end to EU-driven austerity and a harder line on relations with Brussels, especially on immigration and the role of the euro. Sky News' Europe Correspondent Mark Stone told viewers: "Everything in Britain is seen through the prism of Brexit and there Britain might just have a friend in Italy.

taly is set to become a friend to Britain in an attempt to resolve the deadlocked Brexit talks

That doesn’t mean we have to punish the Brits for their decision Manlio Di Stefano

"Di Maio, the leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S) is on record saying Britain shouldn’t be punished for Brexit." Speaking to Stone, Manlio Di Stefano, the deputy of the M5S, said: "The deal has to be fair. "The British cannot pretend to have all the benefits without the duties and we will try to make this work. That doesn’t mean we have to punish the Brits for their decision." This follows similar remarks from a former Five Star Movement MEP Marco Zanni who told Express.co.uk that Italy will be a crucial British ally in the post-Brexit relation between the UK and the Brussels bloc.

The new government was sworn into power yesterday during a ceremony with the President Mattarella