According to media reports, several hundred people gathered in central Campo de' Fiori on Saturday to protest against a possible renewed lockdown. Videos showed bottles and fireworks being thrown at police.

The Ansa news agency said the demonstration, organised in part by radical right-wing forces, was continued in other parts of the city. Another rally organised by left-wing groups also took place on Saturday to shed light on social problems caused by the pandemic.

People also took to the streets in other cities across Italy, as they have in previous days. In Milan, government critics placed empty plates in front of the stock exchange and demanded financial help to get through the crisis.

The government promised to support the many people affected by cinema and theatre closures with cash injections.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and his government have lost popularity as the second wave surges.

An Ipsos published on Saturday showed the leader and his government's approval fell seven points in October.

The number of virus cases in Italy has been rising quickly since October. Conte's government has repeatedly tightened restrictions, including closing down cinemas and theatres and forcing restaurants to close at 6pm.

The country registered more than 31,758 new daily infections on Saturday and a steep rise in the toll to nearly 300 deaths.

Since the start of the outbreak, there have been some 680,000 cases and more than 38,600 related deaths.

Australian Associated Press