The FTSE MIB rose 1.3% to 52,871 on Monday, supported by improved investor sentiment on utilities and banking stocks. Financials outperformed after reports that the proposed merger of equals between BMPS (0%) and Banco BPM (2.4%) had stalled, paving the way for Intesa Sanpaolo (2.3%) to pursue the Siena-based lender. If completed, the deal would make Intesa Europe's second-largest bank, with the lender targeting shareholder approval for its capital increase by September and completion by year-end. Likewise, UniCredit gained 3%. Utilities also rebounded as European natural gas prices eased on hopes of de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Hera rising 1.8%. Meanwhile, Brunello Cucinelli (5%), Diasorin (4.6%) and Avio (4.3%) also posted strong gains. On the downside, Eni slipped 1.2%, tracking lower oil prices. Prysmian fell 0.7% after announcing its mostly debt-funded acquisition of US-based Atkore.