Standard & Poors has cut Italy's credit rating, citing weak economic growth and political uncertainty.
The credit rating agency cut Italy's rating one notch Monday - from A+ to A.
S&P said the country's shaky coalition government and differences in parliament limit Italy's ability to act against its ballooning debt and ability to slash spending.
The agency also gave Italy a negative outlook, forecasting weak economic growth.
Low credit ratings often scare away investors, who see lower-rated government bonds as risky.