Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied Thursday talking to Elon Musk about a cybersecurity deal with the American billionaire's SpaceX company following reports that sparked controversy in Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended US billionaire Elon Musk against criticism from other European capitals, describing him as a "brilliant man" in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera published on Friday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed claims of striking a deal with Musk, with whom she has developed a cordial relationship.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk's growing involvement in politics on Thursday and said she had never discussed with him a potential deal to supply secure communications to Italy.

Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni said her government is in talks with private companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX, over the country’s telecoms security system, but denied having discussed the issue

ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday she had never discussed with Elon Musk a potential deal to use his Starlink to supply secure communications for the military. Meloni,

The Italian defence ministry has not backed a deal with Elon Musk's Starlink to supply new secure communications services and is looking at a range of options, minister Guido Crosetto said on Wednesday.