Premier Giorgia Meloni said it is “childish” and “superficial” to suggest that Italy has to choose between the European Union and the United States under President Donald Trump in an interview with the Financial Times on Friday.

“Italy can have good relations with the United States and if there is something that Italy also can do to avoid confrontation with Europe and to build bridges, I will do that — and it is in the interest of the Europeans” Meloni told the FT, describing the US as Italy’s “first ally”.

“I’m conservative.

Trump is a Republican leader.

Surely I’m nearer to him than to many others, but I understand a leader that defends his national interests,” Meloni said.

“I defend mine”.

The premier also called for calm as the EU plans its response to the Trump administration’s tariffs.

“Sometimes I have the impression that we simply respond instinctively,” Meloni was quoted as saying by the FT.

“In these topics you have to say, ‘Keep calm, guys. Let’s think’.

“There are big differences (in tariffs) on the single goods.

“That’s what we have to work on to find a good, common solution.”