The decision came after the Italian publishers' association AIE left the Turin International Book Fair and opted to hold an event with the Milan Fair as an alternative to the Turin one, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2017.

The mediation will involve Education Minister Stefania Giannini and will aim to prevent any scheduling overlaps: Turin would like to continue having its fair in May (May 18-22, according to the schedule that has already been announced), whereas the Milan event may move to November.

Francheschini is said to want the two events to focus on different things, such as having the Turin Book Fair specialize in books for the young and independent publishers. (Ansa)