Starbucks says it plans to enter probably its most intimidating market yet: Italy.<br />The coffee chain said Sunday that the first Starbucks will open in Milan in early 2017, in partnership with Italian developer Percassi.<br />It's a symbolic move for the 45-year-old company and its CEO, Howard Schultz.<br />On a business trip in the 1980s, Schultz visited Milan and Verona and decided to bring espresso drinks to the U.S.<br />The concept took off, and Starbucks became the beverage giant it is today.<br />Starbucks already has a presence in Europe, but it has not been as successful there as in other markets.<br />The company entered the U.K. in 1998 and there are now about 2,400 stores in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, making up about 10 percent of stores globally.<br />Italy is expected to prove a challenge.<br />Coffee is a deep part of the culture, with myriad local shops competing to sell espresso and cappuccinos
