Despite EU sanctions against Moscow, Russia maintains a major trade turnover with Italy; Italian businesses are actively investing in Russia, President Putin said on Wednesday after his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Italian journalist Gennaro Sangiuliano explained to Sputnik why Italy needs Russia.

Italy is one of the countries with which Russia has one of major trade turnover despite EU sanctions against Moscow. Italian businesses are actively investing in Russia, President Putin stated on Wednesday after his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Meanwhile, the Italian Prime Minsiter said that Italian companies have always had faith in the Russian market, adding that the trade ties between the states are improving.

Sputnik Italia sat down with Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italian journalist and writer, deputy director of TG1 news service at the country's RAI channel, who explained why his home country needs Russia.

"Italy and Russia have very close cultural and historic ties. Italy is very interested in the relationship with Russia at the geopolitical arena, given the deepest economic crisis it has been in for a decade already," he told Sputnik.

"Italy is dependent on the Russian gas and wants to get back to the Russian market. Rome hopes that it might play a decisive role in restoring of the ties between Russia and the EU. After strengthening of the France-Germany axis, Rome does not have enough weight in the EU because it does not have a serious leader. This has led to the misperception of Italy at the international arena," the journalist said.