Italy's Salvini says ratings agencies must be fair, rules out euro exit

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Monday he hopes credit agencies show no prejudice toward Italy when they review their ratings of the country's debt, and again ruled out an exit from the euro.

Moody's, which has a negative outlook on Italy's Baa2 rating, has been waiting for Rome to announce its fiscal plans and said it would pass judgment by the end of October.

Standard & Poor's, that rates Italy's debt "BBB" with a stable outlook, is scheduled to review its rating on October 26.

"I hope no one has prejudice toward this government, or strange intentions," Salvini, who is also head of the ruling far-right League party, said in an interview with RTL 102.5 radio.

He added that credit agencies' moves should not be used to force Italy to sell off its "jewel" companies, such as state-controlled energy groups ENI and ENEL, insurance...