The US plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, raising concerns about the future of US military presence in Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet with Marco Rubio. Tensions have arisen between Meloni and Trump over accusations of weakness directed at the Pope. Despite these tensions, experts believe that the long-standing US-Italy relationship will endure due to strategic interests. Italy's role in NATO and defense contracts with the US, including potential acquisitions of military aircraft, are also highlighted. Rubio's visit to the Vatican is seen as politically motivated ahead of the mid-term elections.