MILAN, Dec 2: The Italian government said on Friday it would sell half of its controlling interest in flag carrier Alitalia, inviting investors to bid for about 25 per cent of the loss-making airline.

Italy currently owns 49.9 per cent of Alitalia and had previously pledged not to reduce its holding below 30 per cent.

But a government statement said: “The decision was taken in accordance with intentions to seek strategic international alliances, with a possible final decision regarding Alitalia’s future to be taken by January 2007.”—AFP