Italian household debt has doubled since the euro was introduced, a retail association reported on Thursday.
Average household debt has risen by 93% in the five years, the Cgia association said, with southern Italians getting deeper in hock than others for mortgages and other loans.
Naples held the record with debts rising by 116.36% over the five years.
But Rome and Milan were highest for the actual amount of debt, at an average 22,000 and 21,300 euros.