The North-South divide.

In Italy it’s far more pronounced than it is over here. Milan in the north is three times as prosperous and productive as Naples in the South. The industrious “northern elite” regard their southern counterparts as lazy, feckless and irresponsible. So it was no surprise to see the south reject Matteo Renzi’s proposed reforms en masse, forcing him to resign and make Italy’s exit from the EU a real possibility. Southern Italians loathe and mistrust authority but oh my God, they’re great fun. I once went out with a girl whose parents were from a small village near Naples. They were fabulous and her dad, the wonderfully named Johnny (Gianni) Stomperelli was a joyous little fellow who just did exactly as he pleased. As far as I know they retired to the Amalfi Coast, would have voted Renzi out and three days later, will still be dancing to this.