The Rome Bar has ordered leading Italian firm Pavia e Ansaldo to change its name within 30 days or face disciplinary action in the latest chapter in the firm’s long-running row with its former US ally.

Pavia e Ansaldo, which is currently being courted by Herbert Smith as a potential Italian member of the City firm’s European alliance, has vowed to “defend itself in any way” and is in the process of appealing against the ruling.