Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio told unions last week that the economy ministry and state-controlled rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) could between them take a more than 50 percent stake in the struggling air carrier.

"There are no plans to re-nationalize Alitalia," Tria said in the lower house of parliament during question time. "There can only be a market solution," he added.

The state could take a share in the airline as long as FS comes up with a market solution first, Tria said.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Crispian Balmer)