The Italian newspaper claimed a deal was signed last week when TIM’s CEO met Steve Jobs in the US. It suggests, because of the huge numbers of pre-pay customers in Italy, the iPhone will be sold at a higher price than in other European countries, but without a carrier lock and two-year service agreement.

If true, it would be a departure for Apple, which has stuck with locked devices available on fixed contracts with other operator partners.

TIM is Italy’s largest network, with 36.6 million subscribers.