POP/ROCK - July 12, 1990

Madonna Tour Goes Bust in Italy: Madonna’s “Blond Ambition” tour arrived in Italy to a less-than-sellout crowd after weeks of protests against her by Roman Catholic organizations. She canceled a second planned performance in Rome because of low ticket sales and a threatened general strike by labor unions. The show has angered the church and pro-family groups that object to Madonna using a crucifix and other Christian symbols during her sexually suggestive performance. Madonna, an Italian-American, tried to win over the concert crowd Tuesday night by donning the No. 15 jersey of Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio and by occasionally speaking Italian during the show.