Italy was marred by nationwide protests on Friday as unions, students and migrants staged strikes and rallies against the government's overhaul of job protection rules.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had pledged labor reforms that would make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, but had also promised more generous benefits for the unemployed.

Italian trade union USB said protests were also against recent anti-austerity measures led by "Europe's troika" - the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - the three institutions responsible for imposing budgetary requirements.

Demonstrators and riot police clashed in cities from Milan in the north to Palermo in the south, with isolated incidents in which several people suffered minor injuries. In Rome, protestors bombarded the German embassy with eggs and paint.

In addition, another nationwide strike by transport workers rocked the country, affecting local buses, trains and airports.

Despite the opposition, Renzi vowed to push ahead with the proposed labor reforms.

Friday's demonstrations took place as official data showed Italy's economy shrank again in the third quarter, prolonging a record-length recession.

Analysts said the slump would likely end in 2015, but growth would remain sluggish.

el/hg (dpa, Reuters)