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Violent clashes during cost-of-living and anti-government protests in Italy yesterday led to 28 detentions, at least 161 injuries and roughly 1 million euros in damage, according to reports tallying the aftermath.

The unrest, under the slogan "Italy to the squares," drew thousands of people into the streets, with the worst violence in Milan, Turin and Bologna.

Detentions, injuries and damage

Italy's ANSA news agency reported that thousands joined demonstrations yesterday against the high cost of living after a call to take to the squares under the banner "Italy to the squares." Protests in Milan, Turin and Bologna turned violent, and 28 people were detained. Of those, 12 were minors and six were foreign nationals, the report said.

Authorities also identified 197 people nationwide who were reported to have triggered the violence during the demonstrations.

Shop windows were smashed and some stores were attacked by looters in Milan and Bologna, while rubbish bins were set on fire. Damage in each of the two cities was estimated at a minimum of 500,000 euros, for a combined total of about 1 million euros.

At least 161 people were injured in the clashes, including 141 members of the security forces and 20 protesters.

Tension in Milan continues today

Milano, which resembled a battlefield during yesterday's protests, saw more unrest today as young people gathered again in groups of 10 and 20 around Duomo Square, prompting security forces to step up measures in the square.

Tensions between protesters and police rose at times, especially along Via Torino, where scattered chases were reported and some demonstrators threw stones and sound bombs.

Masked protesters smashed shop windows along the street, used restaurant tables as barricades and looted some stores, according to press reports.

Milan unrest sparks political dispute

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said there were "many extremely violent protesters and few police officers, especially in Duomo Square." Sala added: "I have no problem with the police chief, on the contrary, he is someone I work with every day, but I have the impression that the situation was underestimated and that the forces available at Milan police headquarters were insufficient."

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi responded by accusing Sala of directly blaming an outnumbered police force. "This is the usual natural and instinctive reflex of a certain radical chic left that cannot condemn acts of violence without distinction and always prefers to focus on the alleged responsibilities of the state and its representatives," Piantedosi said.

Government calls security meeting

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called the public security units to a meeting in response to the events of recent days, according to press reports.

Key takeaways

• At least 161 people were injured in yesterday's protests, 141 of them security officers and 20 demonstrators.
• Twenty-eight people were detained, including 12 minors and six foreign nationals; 197 others were identified as having triggered the violence.
• Damage in Milan and Bologna was put at about 1 million euros, with looted stores, smashed windows and fires in the streets.
• Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi traded barbs over police preparedness, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called a security meeting.