A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of "unfounded attacks and outlandish claims" by Italian leaders, reports the BBC.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was "unprecedented" since the end of World War Two.
It comes after Italian deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French "yellow-vest" protesters near Paris on Tuesday.
France warned him not to interfere in the country's politics.
Relations between the two countries - both founding members of the EU - have been tense since Italy's populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
The latest spat began after Mr Di Maio, the leader of Five Star Movement, met leaders of the anti-government "gilets jaunes" protests on Tuesday.
He posted a picture of himself on Twitter with yellow-vest leader Christophe Chalençon and members of a yellow-vest list who are standing in elections to the European Parliament in May.