Italy's government may take a stake inAlitaliaas part of its sale process.

Alitaliaconfirms that transport minister Graziano Delrio yesterday told a parliamentary committee the government could remain involved in the airline even after a strategic investor is found.

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"We are against nationalising [Alitalia], but the state taking a small stake could be a solution," Delrio said.

He also warned against any break-up of the carrier, arguing thatAlitaliastill had "potential for growth". The airline "can't sell routes, assets and maintenance sectors, but must be kept whole", Delrio stressed.

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The three commissioners appointed by the government to runAlitaliaafter it filed for bankruptcy earlier this year could stay in their roles longer than originally planned, he indicated. The commissioners are overseeing the sale process aimed at finding a new strategic investor.

A bridging loan of €600 million (USD 655 million) was provided by the government to allowAlitaliato continue operations while the process was concluded.

The deadline for initial expressions of interest was 5 June and the cut-off for nonbinding bids from "eligible parties" falls on 21 July.

Historically, the Italian state owned a stake inAlitalia, but after its 2008 bankruptcy it was recreated as a new airline with new investors under the Compagnia Aerea Italiana holding company.