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A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of a series of "unfounded attacks and outlandish claims" by Italian leaders.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was "unprecedented" since the end of World War Two.
It comes after Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French "yellow-vest" protesters near Paris on Tuesday.
France warned him not to interfere.
Relations between the two countries have been tense since Italy's populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
What happened with Mr Di Maio?
The latest spat began after Mr Di Maio, the leader of Five Star Movement, met two leaders of the anti-government movement on Tuesday.
He posted a picture of himself on Twitter with a yellow-vest leader and with Ingrid Levavasseur, who is heading a yellow-vest (gilets jaunes) list for elections to the European Parliament in May.
What has France said?
"For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
"The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation. They violate the respect that is owed to democratic choices made by a nation which is a friend and an ally. To disagree is one thing, to exploit a relationship for electoral aims is another."
On Wednesday, the ministry called Mr Di Maio's visit a "new provocation" that was "unacceptable between neighbouring countries and partners at the heart of the EU".
The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris says the row represents a new low in the fast deteriorating relationship between Paris and Rome.
What is the background?
Much of the tension between the two countries has been about migration.
When France criticised Italy for not allowing rescue boats carrying migrants in the Mediterranean to dock, Italy responded by accusing France itself of refusing to accept migrants.
Italy says France has sent migrants back across Italy's northern border.
In January, France summoned Italy's ambassador after Mr Di Maio said Paris had "never stopped colonising tens of African states".
Also last month, fellow deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini accused France of harbouring 14 "terrorists" wanted by Italy, after a fugitive ex-militant was extradited from Bolivia.
France has also grown impatient with Italy over the building of a Lyon to Turin high-speed rail link which the Italian coalition partners cannot agree on.
Who are the 'gilets jaunes'?
The "gilets jaunes" protests against fuel tax hikes began last November, with demonstrators saying the measure hurt those who live in remote areas of France and depend on cars.
They derive their name from the high-visibility vests they wear - and which French motorists are required by law to carry in their vehicles.
But since their first marches - and the government's subsequent U-turn on fuel taxes - their demands have expanded to boosting people's purchasing power and allowing popular referendums.
Mr Di Maio has found common cause with the protesters, urging them not to give up and offering them "the support you need".