According to Health Ministry data, 802 coronavirus infections were confirmed in the 24-hour period ending on Sunday evening.
That’s also the first time daily new cases have dropped below the 1000-mark since very early in the country’s outbreak.
Italy now totals 219,070 known cases, while the death toll stands at 30,560.
It comes after Italy began easing coronavirus restrictions last week, but some residents have been condemned for breaching rules still in place.
“If you love Italy, keep your distance,” Conte said during a televised address ahead of the loosening of restrictions on May 4.
But on Thursday, hordes of young people gathered in Milan without protective masks during cocktail hour, flouting social distancing rules.
Newspapers on Friday displayed images of crowds of young Milanese, many without masks, sitting and chatting in groups, or strolling together along the city’s canals during the early evening on Thursday.
That prompted a rebuke from Milan’s mayor, Beppe Sala, who called the behaviour “shameful”, and gave the city an ultimatum – either start respecting social distancing rules or newly opened bars and cafes offering take-out service would be closed.
Citizens appeared to have got the message.
On Friday, amid a strong police presence, most in the area wore masks and appeared to be following the rules.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has warned that restrictive measures could be reinstated throughout the country if people do not act responsibly in Phase 2 of the coronavirus emergency, in which people are allowed to circulate more freely and more businesses are allowed to open, while still respecting social distancing and avoiding gatherings.
