Italy has seen strongmen - Di Maio

(ANSA) - Rome, May 17 - Italy has seen strongmen leaders in the past, 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio told government partner and League leader Matteo Salvini on Friday.
    "We've already had men alone at the commands and we certainly don't miss them," said Di Maio, who is deputy premier like Salvini.
    Di Maio accused Salvini of wanting to "raise the level of clashes" amid rows about a graft probe that hit a League mayor and other issues.
    The M5S leader also defended Premier Giuseppe Conte, whom Salvini had slammed over alleged lenience towards the migrant rescue NGO boats that the League leader has banned from Italy.
    ""There's not a lot to add about the attacks on the premier, who has all my support, and the government's," said Di Maio.
    "I just say one thing, if everyone thinks one thing and there is only one contrary, perhaps that individual is wrong," he said, apparently referring to Salvini.