People took part in a anti-racism demonstration following last Saturday's attack in the Italian city of Macerata (Photo: AP)

According to organizers, some 30,000 demonstrators held anti-racist placards and chanted slogans against fascism. Macerata – a town of about 41,000 inhabitants in central Marche region – was on high alert ahead of the rally for fear of possible clashes between demonstrators and neo-fascist elements. Schools remained closed, many shops shut ahead of the march, while local transport was halted for some hours.

Migration was the top issue in the public debate, as some 600,000 migrants and asylum-seekers have entered Italy.