Italy GDP up 0.8% in 2017, 0.8% 2018 (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - Italy's GDP will rise by 0.8% this year and the same next, the IMF said Tuesday, raising their 207 estimate by 0. 1%. Italian growth is "decidedly below its potential," it said. Italy's debt will be a better-than-expected 132.8% of GDP this year and will fall to 131.6% next year, below the government's forecast, the IMF said. Unemployment will fall to 11.4% this year and 11% next, the IMF said. Italy is lagging behind most of the rest of the EU in most macroeconomic parameters, the IMF said.