Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has said the government will not change its policies to keep the European Commission happy.
The Commission has said an infringement procedure against Italy would be justified for failing to respect the debt rule and has given the government a week to reply with its reasons why a proceedings should not be opened.
"We are part of a government that will not longer make do with crumbs in Europe," League leader Salvini said during a visit to Washington.
"We'll bring in a flat tax and the EU will have to deal with it".
Premier Giuseppe Conte, meanwhile, is preparing the letter of response that must be sent out by June 20, sources said.
The premier is seeking to find a balance between firmness and openness to dialogue, the sources said.
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