Luigi Di Maio, who is taking the lead on efforts to revitalise Alitalia, said he was confident the deal – a joint venture with Italian state rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato – would progress.
Bloomberg reports the Italian treasury will take a stake in the airline if potential investors come up with a viable business plan.
Citing the country’s finance minister Giovanni Tria, easyJet and Delta were readying a €400 million investment, securing 40% of the company.
State-owned Ferrovie would take 30% and the treasury a minority stake.
EasyJet and Delta last month confirmed talks with Ferrovie over a new consortium comprising Alitalia were under way.
