Using template matching, we investigate the space-time evolution of seismicity in the period 2008-2018 in Central Apennines. The seismicity appears more persistent at the base of the seismogenic layer than in the shallower crust. Specifically, diffuse activity is reported on Campotosto, Northern Mt. Vettore and Alto Tiberina segments at depth, alternating along strike with apparent quiescence on L’Aquila, Southern Mt. Vettore and Colfiorito segments. Later segments all experienced one or more Mw 6+ shallow earthquakes in 2009, 2016 and 1997 respectively. Central Apennines is likely underlain by a sizeable shear zone at the base of the seismogenic layer with areas of diffuse seismicity bounding areas where M6+ earthquakes occurred. Principal component analysis of GPS data exhibits a transient when the 2016 foreshock sequence starts. This transient propagated northward from the listric Campotosto fault up to the Alto Tiberina fault system and has likely loaded the Mw 6+ 2016 earthquake sequence.