Start of the session with indexes cautiously rising in Piazza Affari. This is the fifth consecutive positive session for the blue chip index the Ftse Mib, at highs since mid-May.

Widening our gaze to other markets, Tokyo closed down 1 percent, while Wall Street reopens today and futures indicate a negative start at the moment.

As for the macro agenda, few cues in the euro zone. The focus will be on overseas. Important U.S. employment data are on the agenda in the afternoon, primarily nonfarm payrolls: although a slowdown in the pace of growth is expected in December, more than 2 million jobs would have been created in the U.S. in the last year of President Joe Biden's term, and about 3 million in 2023.

Around 10 a.m. the Ftse Mib rose 0.30 percent.

Well-picked banking sector led by Mps up about 1 percent and new highs since September 2022, galvanized by Delfin's increase in its stake to near the 10 percent threshold, thus increasing speculative appeal on the stock. Among the biggies, Intesa and UniCredit are up 0.45 percent.

Leonardo collection up 1.55 percent. Broker Intermonte recalls statements by Made In Italy Minister Adolfo Urso on Baykar's plan for Piaggio Aero, also confirming ongoing evaluations for a strategic partnership between Leonardo and the Turkish company on drones.

Money on luxury with Ferragamo up 2.4 percent and Moncler up 0.94 percent. The sector's performance could also be affected by developments on M&A after press rumors that Prada is considering buying the Versace group from U.S.-based Capri Holdings.

(Giancarlo Navach, editing Andrea Mandalà)