(ANSA) – ROME, 22 FEB – S&P said on Monday that Italy’s GDP increased by 5.3% this year and said debt, which is expected to rise to just under 160% of GDP in 2020, could stabilize due to increased growth .

It said the EU’s use of the COVID-19 recovery fund could provide a “strong boost” to public investment, which remains about 30% lower than the major financial crisis a decade ago.

It said the government’s reform agenda would not affect Italy’s credit rating. (ANSA).