There is no "promised land" outside the European Union that will fix the problem of low economic growth, prime minister Paolo Gentiloni told business association in northern Italy on Monday.
"There are other European countries that have a lower annual growth forecast including - regrettably - an ally that has chosen to leave Europe," Gentiloni said, in a clear reference to Britain.
"I say this to any country toying with the fancy that there are promised lands awaiting them outside the EU," he added.
"Italy is no longer bringing up the rear in Europe," Gentiloni told a meeting of industrial associations in Vercelli, in the northwest Piedmont region.
