Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said at least 300 schools across the country were evacuated on Wednesday after receiving a warning message about the presence of a bomb.
Speaking to La7 TV, the minister said 300 schools had been affected by bomb alerts, adding that the number could rise.
One school in Rome informed parents: "Following a nationwide bomb alert, we would like to inform you that all students have been moved to a safe area and remain under the supervision of the teaching staff."
According to a government source familiar with the matter, the email was signed in the name of Mikhail Andropov, the leader of the state of Mesoginistan.
A spokesperson for Rome police said Italian police forces are investigating the matter.
