Italy deploys soldiers to Milan as protests spread to eight cities

Italy has sent 500 soldiers to Milan and protests are planned in eight cities Saturday against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government and rising costs.

• The government has deployed 500 soldiers to Milan, with paratroopers patrolling the Duomo cathedral square.
• Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the soldiers serve in a support role only, without tasers or pepper spray.
• Police arrested 271 people in last weekend's rioting, 220 of them under 18.
• Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said youth detention capacity must expand after the mass arrests of minors.