Rome, Apr. 7 : The 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck central Italy on Monday morning has damaged at least four old churches.

The Italian Culture Ministry said the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, a striking pink-and-white stone-faced structure, was among the buildings severely damaged.

It is known for its architecture and for an annual pilgrimage to honor 13th-century Pope Celestine V, a former hermit who was both crowned and buried there.

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Rome  - Veteran striker Andriy Shevchenko has said he would like to stay on at AC Milan after his loan from Chelsea expires at the end of the season, the ANSA news agency reported Monday.

"My hope is to remain at Milan also in the next season," the 32-year-old Ukrainian international said. "At the moment, no decision has been taken."

Sheva left Milan in 2006 after seven seasons, helping the Devils win one Serie A title and one Champions League. He scored 173 goals on 296 donning the red-black jersey.

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Rome- At least 40 people were known to

Rome, Apr. 6 : A furious Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has threatened to take action against journalists for reporting his latest gaffes, involving British Queen Elizabeth II and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Berlusconi has accused newspapers and television stations of slandering him and damaging the country''s reputation by highlighting his alleged faux pas.

He said he was considering taking "hard measures" against reporters, without specifying what that might entail, reports The Telegraph.