CHASE MANHATTAN STUDYING ITALIAN EXPANSION <Chase Manhattan Bank N.A.> is considering expanding its operations in Italy, particularly in the consumer banking sector, a Chase Manhattan official said. Robert D. Hunter, Chase Manhattan area executive for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said at a news conference that plans to broaden the bank's activities on the Italian market have not been finalised, however. Asked if Chase Manhattan would consider an acquisition in Italy, Hunter said: "We will look at any opportunity, but the prices of Italian banks have been quite high." Chase Manhattan has branches in Milan and Rome.