Italian musician Claudio Baglioni is to perform in Rome's new year concert on Via dei Fori Imperiali at 22.00 on 31 December. The three hour show will be interrupted shortly before midnight to ring in the new year with the traditional countdown, followed by a fireworks display overhead.

Titled For Rome, For the World, Baglioni's greatest-hits show is being introduced by singer and actress Lola Ponce Argentina and will feature in live broadcasts on Rai 1. Born in Rome in 1951, Baglioni's musical career includes a string of best-selling albums, as well as penning the official anthem for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin.

To avoid disturbance to the Colosseum, unlike in previous years the new year concert will not take place in front of the monument; instead it is being staged at the Piazza Venezia end of Via dei Fori Imperiali. Sponsored by Capital Rome and co-ordinated by Z