Piazza Affari recovers late morning slight losses from early in the session and moves directionless in the absence of Wall Street's compass, closed for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

The gaze then shifts to tomorrow, with a special eye on the monthly U.S. labor market data.

Around 12:15 p.m., the Ftse Mib rises 0.1 percent.

Among the featured stocks:

Banks recover, giving up an average of 0.2% after a weaker start linked to profit-taking after the euphoria generated yesterday by the Opas launched by Banca Ifis (+2%) on illimity Bank, which today adds +5% to yesterday's run. Equita speaks of "strong industrial sense and reasonable targets" for the deal that leave room for a re-rating of the combined entity.

Mps in particular improves, rising 1.2%, while Bper remains negative after its strong rise on the eve.

Prysmian (+3.2%) runs, benefiting from an interview of the CEO with the Financial Times in which he reiterates the possibility of a dual listing in New York and foresees other acquisitions in the US. Words in line with what has been said previously, but reinforcing the likelihood, Citi says in a note.

Cues on luxury with Moncler and Ferragamo up 1.3 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively.

Among the minuses in the Ftse Mib Stm, Stellantis, Leonardo.

Lottomatica approaches the Abb price completed today at 12.5 euros and gives up 3.3% to 12.75 euros.

(Claudia Cristoferi, editing Sabina Suzzi)