MILAN- The Italian government has set aside up to 1.5 billion euros ($1.78 billion) to buy into possible capital increases at state-controlled companies, according to a draft of a new stimulus package to help recovery after the coronavirus crisis.

The draft decree, seen by Reuters authorises the government to spend up to 1.5 billion euros in the current year to participate in the capital increases.

($1 = 0.8424 euros)

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte, writing by Maria Pia Quaglia, editing by James Mackenzie) ((mariapia.quaglia@tr.com; +39 02 66129638;))