Intesa SanPaolo would take a stake in Italian airline Alitalia along with other banks if smaller Italian carrier Air One acquires control of Alitalia.

If the Air One-Alitalia integration project goes ahead, Intesa SanPaolo would take a stake along with other international banks.

Air One, backed by Intesa, was close to clinching a failed auction for Alitalia earlier this year before it pulled out at the last minute.

Alitalia has since begun a fresh hunt for a buyer, but this time speculation has focused on European rival Air France as a potential frontrunner to buy the Italian carrier.