Udine on Monday came top of Il Sole 24 Ore's annual ranking of Italy's cities on the basis of the quality of life they offer residents for the first time in the 34-year history of the study. Bologna, which came first last year, was the runner-up, with Trento completing the podium. Bergamo, which is Italy's culture capital this year alongside Brescia, and Milan were also in the top 10.

"We are flattered by this result," said Udine Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni. "We came first in Italy for quality of life, climbing 11 places in one fell swoop. "It's an achievement that regards the city and the entire province, so not only the capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia, but the whole territory".