The struggling airline said in a statement Tuesday that the board was being convened to determine "the potential investor willing to acquire control of the company." The board decision would be made known through a press statement at the end of the meeting, it said.

On Monday, Air France-KLM pledged that it could return Alitalia to profitability. A rival bidder, Italy's Air One SpA, attacked the Air France-KLM plans to develop Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport hub and offer a wide range of European and intercontinental flights from the Italian capital.

Some politicians would like to keep the flagship airline in Italian hands. Leaders of Italy's politically influential labor unions on Tuesday said the government should consult with them before deciding Alitalia's future. Negotiations are needed to determine a buyer for the government's 49.9-percent stake.

Alitalia has been plagued for several years by high fuel costs, tough competition from low-cost rivals and strikes.