Problems with post from the UK to Southern Italy

Has anyone else noticed a problem with items being posted from the UK to Southern Italy?  My friend lives in Molise and usually when I post something it takes about 7 days at the most (this has been the case for the last 5 years or more).  Now however, everything I send is taking about 3 weeks, regardless of whether it's a letter or a package?!?!? Has anyone else noticed this?? Colette