Giorgia Meloni’s love-in with Donald Trump confidant Elon Musk looks like it might be paying off, with reports suggesting that her government is poised to sign a $1.56 billion telecommunications deal with Musk’s SpaceX.

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

Italy would have full control of its data under any potential deal struck with Elon Musk's Starlink for secure satellite communications, an Italian representative for the billionaire's aerospace businesses said.

Reports that Elon Musk's SpaceX is in advanced negotiations with the Italian government over the provision of internet and telecommunications via its Starlink system have raised security and competition concerns.