Italy is on high alert as threats that Islamic State jihadis could strike specific targets increase, the country’s Parliament has been told.

Secret Services have told the Italian Parliament that women could be playing an important role in the planned attacks, Italian media, including Rai and TGCom, report.

The list compiled by the Italian secret services speaks of emissaries sent by the Islamic State or other terrorist groups, dormant cells, foreign fighters or terrorists, including women, who could have slipped into the country unnoticed.

Being a symbol of Christianity and hosting the Vatican, Italy is being considered as a main target for the terrorists.

The secret services also speak of a new generation of jihadis which is forming in Europe. With Milan soon to host Expo 2015, even this northern city, apart from Rome, could be a target for the terrorists.