City centers in Milan, Bologna, Turin and Bergamo turned into battle zones after masked groups hijacked protests against rising living costs and fuel prices. The riots began yesterday (Saturday) and continued today in several Italian cities. ‘Palestinian’ flags were prominently displayed alongside groups identified with the “Pro Pal” movement.
The main demonstration in Milan was organized under the name “Italia in Piazza” — “Italy in the Square” — and according to local reports drew more than 5,000 people. It was billed in advance as a protest against the cost of living, fuel prices and low wages, but groups of masked youth and Antifa rioters broke off from the march and clashed with police.
Total chaos in Italy: Milan. https://t.co/3NDaVPpwuV
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) October 18, 2026
In central Milan, rocks, bottles, firebombs and barricades were hurled at officers. Piazza del Duomo was briefly seized by hundreds of black-clad youth, stores pulled down their shutters, tourists fled the area and the nearby metro station was shut down during the clashes.
Economic Protest Turned Into Battleground
Bologna was another major flashpoint. Clashes erupted near the train station, where rocks, bottles and iron bars were thrown at police. The station was closed as a precaution. In Turin and Bergamo as well, rock-throwing, firebombs and confrontations with security forces were reported.
According to figures published in Italy, about 5,000 protesters participated in Milan, about 3,000 in Turin and about 2,000 in Bologna. Meanwhile, a separate rally was held in Rome by the CGIL labor union, but the main violent hotspots were in the north of the country.
Italy like France. Total chaos in Italy: Milan live, now, more looting, devastation and violence. https://t.co/dr7K73ALpz
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) October 18, 2026
The updated tally released by Italian police stands at 28 arrested, including 12 minors, 43 people against whom proceedings were opened, and 197 who were detained or identified. According to reports, 141 police officers were injured during the riots. Damage was caused to store windows, bus stops, police vehicles and buildings in city centers. In Milan, attempts to loot stores in commercial districts were also reported, along with barricades set on fire in and around Piazza del Duomo.
The original protest was not a single event with a unified political identity. It drew citizens protesting fuel prices and the cost of living, alongside students and youth. But according to police and Italian media, the violence was led by separate groups of masked youth.
BREAKING:
Massive riots have now also broken out in Milan, Italy.
An alliance of migrant gangs and Antifa extremists is attacking police officers and setting fires in front of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo) https://t.co/yh8sbPWmsS
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 17, 2026
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, from the center-left, said the reasons for protesting the cost of living are understandable, but condemned the violence. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called on the entire political system to unequivocally condemn the vandalism and attacks in Milan, Bologna and Turin.