Italy is checking whether the presence of Sinochem executives on Pirelli's board is in breach of measures Rome imposed to protect the tyremaker's autonomy, a senior government official said.

Italy has opened up an administrative procedure against China’s Sinochem, the largest shareholder in Italian tiremaker Pirelli, over possible violations of restrictions placed by Rome to protect strategic assets.

Pirelli said on Wednesday that Italy's Prime Minister's Office opened an administrative procedure against its largest shareholder, China's Sinochem, for a possible breach of provisions Rome imposed to shield the tyremaker's autonomy.