Silvio Berlusconi, the scandalous former Italian prime minister who died in June at the age of 86, has left&nbsp;€100 million (over&nbsp;₹9 billion or $108.9mn) to his girlfriend Marta Fascina, 33.

As per the will, Berlusconi left&nbsp;control of his business empire to his two eldest children — aged 56 and 54 —&nbsp;and another €30 million (over ₹2.7 billion) to a business associate.

The details of Berlusconi’s will were released on Thursday (July 6), about&nbsp;three weeks after thousands&nbsp;attended the three-time prime minister’s state funeral in Milan.

Berlusconi succumbed to Leaukaemia on June 12.

<h2>Silvio Berlusconi-Marta Fascina's mock marriage</h2>

Berlusconi last year called off a marriage ceremony with Fascina after reportedly being convinced by his children from tying the knot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-was-silvio-berlusconi-the-ex-italian-pm-who-died-at-86-check-net-worth-cause-of-death-controversies-603463">Who was Silvio Berlusconi, the ex-Italian PM who died at 86? Check net worth, cause of death &amp; controversies</a>

In an optically vibrant&nbsp;mock wedding ceremony, the couple walked up the aisle of a chapel, exchanged rings and cut a cake but did not really marry.

<h2>Who is Marta Fascina?</h2>

Marta Fascina, 33, is an MP with Berlusconi's Forza Italia. Fascina is reportedly expected to take&nbsp;an influential role in the late leader's party despite being nicknamed 'the Mute' by party colleagues, according to a report in The Times.

<h2>Berlusconi's will: How else got what?</h2>

After Fascina, the second top&nbsp;beneficiary of Berlusconi’s wealth was Marcello Dell’Utri, 81. Dell'Utri is known to have&nbsp;helped Berlusconi launch Forza Italia in 1994.

Dell'Utri was jailed in 2014 for four years for alleged dealings with the Sicilian mafia. He served out his time in prison following an extradition from Lebanon&nbsp;where he had fled before sentencing.

In the will, Berlusconi gave up his stake in his holding company Fininvest to leave his two oldest children Marina, 56, and Pier Silvio, 54, with a combined 53 per cent controlling stake.

Marina is chairwoman at Fininvest and also runs publishing company Mondadori. Her brother Pier Silvio manages the TV network MFE.

A combined minority stake of 47 per cent stays in the hands of Berlusconi’s three children from his second marriage, Barbara, 38, Eleonora, 37, and Luigi, 34.

Also watch |&nbsp;Silvio Berlusconi dies at the age of 86 | Italy News

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"The 53 per cent for Marina and Pier Silvio is a sign of stability and continuity, showing they are the children who will continue to run things," Alan Friedman, a Berlusconi biographer was quoted as saying by The Times.

"This was touted as the real life version of the TV show Succession, but its more like Star Trek: Next Generation."

Berlusconi's party is a partner in the coalition government run by the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

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Silvio Berlusconi, the scandalous former Italian prime minister who died in June at the age of 86, has left €100 million (over ₹9 billion or $108.9mn) to his girlfriend Marta Fascina, 33.

Silvio Berlusconi, the scandalous former Italian prime minister who died in June at the age of 86, has left €100 million (over ₹9 billion or $108.9mn) to his girlfriend Marta Fascina, 33. As per the will, Berlusconi left control of his business empire to his two eldest children — aged 56 and 54 — and another €30 million (over ₹2.7 billion) to a business associate. The details of Berlusconi’s will were released on Thursday (July 6), about three weeks after thousands attended the three-time prime minister’s state funeral in Milan. Berlusconi succumbed to Leaukaemia on June 12. Silvio Berlusconi-Marta Fascina's mock marriage Berlusconi last year called off a marriage ceremony with Fascina after reportedly being convinced by his children from tying the knot. Also read | Who was Silvio Berlusconi, the ex-Italian PM who died at 86? Check net worth, cause of death & controversies In an optically vibrant mock wedding ceremony, the couple walked up the aisle of a chapel, exchanged rings and cut a cake but did not really marry. Who is Marta Fascina? Marta Fascina, 33, is an MP with Berlusconi's Forza Italia. Fascina is reportedly expected to take an influential role in the late leader's party despite being nicknamed 'the Mute' by party colleagues, according to a report in The Times. Berlusconi's will: How else got what? After Fascina, the second top beneficiary of Berlusconi’s wealth was Marcello Dell’Utri, 81. Dell'Utri is known to have helped Berlusconi launch Forza Italia in 1994. Dell'Utri was jailed in 2014 for four years for alleged dealings with the Sicilian mafia. He served out his time in prison following an extradition from Lebanon where he had fled before sentencing. In the will, Berlusconi gave up his stake in his holding company Fininvest to leave his two oldest children Marina, 56, and Pier Silvio, 54, with a combined 53 per cent controlling stake. Marina is chairwoman at Fininvest and also runs publishing company Mondadori. Her brother Pier Silvio manages the TV network MFE. A combined minority stake of 47 per cent stays in the hands of Berlusconi’s three children from his second marriage, Barbara, 38, Eleonora, 37, and Luigi, 34. Also watch | Silvio Berlusconi dies at the age of 86 | Italy News × "The 53 per cent for Marina and Pier Silvio is a sign of stability and continuity, showing they are the children who will continue to run things," Alan Friedman, a Berlusconi biographer was quoted as saying by The Times. "This was touted as the real life version of the TV show Succession, but its more like Star Trek: Next Generation." Berlusconi's party is a partner in the coalition government run by the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Berlusconi's girlfriend, 53 years junior to him, will get over $100mn; children to inherit businesses

Italy bids farewell to Berlusconi on contested day of mourning

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who died on Monday (June 12) at the age of 86, had been accused of conduct that would see women in parties becoming 'sex slaves'.

Known equally for his infamous 'bunga bunga' parties as for his political career, Berlusconi faced trial for allegedly paying girls to ensure they wouldn't inform authorities about the infamous parties.

The allegations on sex slaves were made during a hearing of a case against the former Italian premier in an Italian court.

Berlusconialways claimed that these parties were 'innocent and elegant affairs' but media reports quoted witnesses who talked of 'wild orgies' and female guests dressing up as nuns.

In 2013, Berlusconi was found guilty of paying to have sex with an underage Moroccan belly dancer.

Karima El-Mahroug, the belly dancer, was 17 at the time. The belly dancer was also known as Ruby The Heartstealer.

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Karima El-Mahroug, the belly dancer (right) can be seen in the picture above.

Current trial against Berlusconi stems from the trial in 2013.&nbsp;

During the hearing, prosecutor Tiziana Siciliano said that 'facts' had been 'handed down to history by now'.

"The facts have been handed down to history by now, the serving premier was wont to systematically spice up his evening entertainments hosting in his home groups of odalisques, paid sex slaves," she said as quoted by The Daiy Mail.&nbsp;

"Berlusconi is the former friend of Putin and now an old man. He was a sultan in his own harem. A very rich and powerful man, a prime minister who accompanied himself with friends like Putin, who is now bringing the world to its knees," she added.

"He paid for the silence of witnesses with money, houses, cars and horses, every human commodity that you can imagine. What happened at the time at these parties was morally questionable and incredible," said Siciliano further.

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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who died on Monday (June 12) at the age of 86, had been accused of conduct that would see women in parties becoming 'sex slaves'.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who died on Monday (June 12) at the age of 86, had been accused of conduct that would see women in parties becoming 'sex slaves'. Known equally for his infamous 'bunga bunga' parties as for his political career, Berlusconi faced trial for allegedly paying girls to ensure they wouldn't inform authorities about the infamous parties. The allegations on sex slaves were made during a hearing of a case against the former Italian premier in an Italian court. Berlusconialways claimed that these parties were 'innocent and elegant affairs' but media reports quoted witnesses who talked of 'wild orgies' and female guests dressing up as nuns. In 2013, Berlusconi was found guilty of paying to have sex with an underage Moroccan belly dancer. Karima El-Mahroug, the belly dancer, was 17 at the time. The belly dancer was also known as Ruby The Heartstealer. Karima El-Mahroug, the belly dancer (right) can be seen in the picture above. Current trial against Berlusconi stems from the trial in 2013. During the hearing, prosecutor Tiziana Siciliano said that 'facts' had been 'handed down to history by now'. "The facts have been handed down to history by now, the serving premier was wont to systematically spice up his evening entertainments hosting in his home groups of odalisques, paid sex slaves," she said as quoted by The Daiy Mail. "Berlusconi is the former friend of Putin and now an old man. He was a sultan in his own harem. A very rich and powerful man, a prime minister who accompanied himself with friends like Putin, who is now bringing the world to its knees," she added. "He paid for the silence of witnesses with money, houses, cars and horses, every human commodity that you can imagine. What happened at the time at these parties was morally questionable and incredible," said Siciliano further. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bunga bunga parties, 'sex slaves': The most controversial episode in Berlusconi's life

Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse.

Berlusconi, whose death at the age of 86 was confirmed on Monday, reigned supreme at Milan from 1986 until 2017, during which time the club won 29 trophies, including five Champions League and eight Italian league titles.

The club said it was "grieving the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi" as it led the tributes to its former owner.

Milan was a genuine passion for Berlusconi but his success as owner and the modern image he gave the club was a formidably effective communication tool that he used in the service of his business and political career.

Some of his teams made history, such as Arrigo Sacchi's revolutionary and all-conquering side of the late 1980s and his successor Fabio Capello's outfit which hammered Barcelona's "Dream Team" 4-0 in the 1994 Champions League final – the third European crown of the Berlusconi era.

During that period some of the game's greatest players wore Milan's famous red and black kit – from flying Dutchmen Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to the likes of homegrown heroes Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

But success had a price, and in an era when players changed clubs far less frequently than they do now, Berlusconi was among the pioneers of the modern-day football business.

One of the most notorious signings of the Berlusconi era was Gianluigi Lentini, a rampaging winger bought for a world-record fee in 1992 from a Torino team being dismantled at the same rate as their controversial owner Gian Mauro Borsano's finances imploded.

Lentini failed to shine on the bigger San Siro stage and the summer after a poor display in the 1993 Champions League final loss to Bernard Tapie's Marseille a major car accident signalled the beginning of the end.

Milan won the Champions League two more times this millennium as their star-studded teams beat Italian rivals Juventus in 2003 and then Liverpool in 2007, although that was two years after they lost an epic final to the Reds on penalties after letting slip a three-goal half-time lead.

The 2011 Serie A title was the last major honour won under Berlusconi, who with AC Milan in seemingly terminal decline sold his majority stake to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong six years later for more than 700 million euros ($754 million at today's conversion rates).

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<h2>Dream Monza promotion</h2>

Success didn't return to the red and black half of Milan until last season's Scudetto, won under the more parsimonious ownership of American investment fund Elliott, who took control of the club when Li Yonghong failed to pay debts.

On his departure, Berlusconi acknowledged in a message to fans that the ownership of football clubs had moved into another financial dimension: "To be competitive at the highest level of modern football requires investment and resources that a single family can no longer take on."&nbsp;

Remaining a fan of the team "my dad taught me to love as a kid", he nonetheless took a tiny portion of the money he earned selling Milan to purchase then third-tier Monza in 2018.&nbsp;

He vowed to take Monza to Serie A and with the help of his long-time right-hand man Adriano Galliani the team based near Milan reached the top flight for the first time in their history last season.

Monza are guaranteed another season in the top division after finishing the just-completed campaign in 11th position.

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Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse.

Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse. Berlusconi, whose death at the age of 86 was confirmed on Monday, reigned supreme at Milan from 1986 until 2017, during which time the club won 29 trophies, including five Champions League and eight Italian league titles. The club said it was "grieving the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi" as it led the tributes to its former owner. Milan was a genuine passion for Berlusconi but his success as owner and the modern image he gave the club was a formidably effective communication tool that he used in the service of his business and political career. Some of his teams made history, such as Arrigo Sacchi's revolutionary and all-conquering side of the late 1980s and his successor Fabio Capello's outfit which hammered Barcelona's "Dream Team" 4-0 in the 1994 Champions League final – the third European crown of the Berlusconi era. During that period some of the game's greatest players wore Milan's famous red and black kit – from flying Dutchmen Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to the likes of homegrown heroes Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. But success had a price, and in an era when players changed clubs far less frequently than they do now, Berlusconi was among the pioneers of the modern-day football business. One of the most notorious signings of the Berlusconi era was Gianluigi Lentini, a rampaging winger bought for a world-record fee in 1992 from a Torino team being dismantled at the same rate as their controversial owner Gian Mauro Borsano's finances imploded. Lentini failed to shine on the bigger San Siro stage and the summer after a poor display in the 1993 Champions League final loss to Bernard Tapie's Marseille a major car accident signalled the beginning of the end. Milan won the Champions League two more times this millennium as their star-studded teams beat Italian rivals Juventus in 2003 and then Liverpool in 2007, although that was two years after they lost an epic final to the Reds on penalties after letting slip a three-goal half-time lead. The 2011 Serie A title was the last major honour won under Berlusconi, who with AC Milan in seemingly terminal decline sold his majority stake to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong six years later for more than 700 million euros ($754 million at today's conversion rates). Dream Monza promotion Success didn't return to the red and black half of Milan until last season's Scudetto, won under the more parsimonious ownership of American investment fund Elliott, who took control of the club when Li Yonghong failed to pay debts. On his departure, Berlusconi acknowledged in a message to fans that the ownership of football clubs had moved into another financial dimension: "To be competitive at the highest level of modern football requires investment and resources that a single family can no longer take on." Remaining a fan of the team "my dad taught me to love as a kid", he nonetheless took a tiny portion of the money he earned selling Milan to purchase then third-tier Monza in 2018. He vowed to take Monza to Serie A and with the help of his long-time right-hand man Adriano Galliani the team based near Milan reached the top flight for the first time in their history last season. Monza are guaranteed another season in the top division after finishing the just-completed campaign in 11th position. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Berlusconi and AC Milan - passion, politics and trophies

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been diagnosed with leukaemia, reports emerging from the country said on Thursday. Just a day earlier, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Milan with breathing problems. The 86-year-old media baron is being treated in a cardiac unit of Milan's San Raffaele hospital. 
 
Doctors say Berlusconi is being treated for a lung infection and has a “chronic blood condition” that is a kind of leukaemia.

Berlusconi’s personal physician, Alberto Zangrillo, signed off on a medical bulletin issued on Thursday afternoon that said Berlusconi “has had for some time” leukaemia in a “persistent chronic phase.”

The 86-year-old media mogul who served three terms as Italy’s premier and now serves in the Senate was admitted to Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital on Wednesday for treatment of what aides indicated was a respiratory problem stemming from a previous infection.

The publication Corriere della Sera daily confirmed that Berlusconi has been diagnosed with leukaemia, a cancer of the blood cells.&nbsp;

According to the Italian news agency Ansa, Berlusconi has started chemotherapy at the hospital. He is in stable condition, the report added.

Berlusconi's daughter Marina and son Luigi reached the hospital on Thursday but did not speak with the reporters.&nbsp;

Berlusconi's Forza Italia party is part of the right-wing coalition headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. However, he has no role in the government.

"I spoke this morning with Professor (Alberto) Zangrillo (Berlusconi's personal doctor) and he told me that Berlusconi spent a quiet night, his condition is stable," Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani told RAI state television.

"We all want to be optimistic and we hope that the lion will return soon to take charge of the party. He's our political leader and of course, he never gives up," Tajani told the broadcaster.

Berlusconi had earlier spent four days at the same hospital before being discharged last week on March 30. Italian news reports suggest that he is suffering from heart issues also.

Earlier, after the pandemic hit, he was hospitalised for Covid-related pneumonia in September 2020. Later he developed complications linked to Covid and was admitted several times the next year.

Berlusconi had an open heart surgery in 2016 and surgery on his intestine three years later. He has also had prostate cancer.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been diagnosed with leukaemia, reports emerging from the country said on Thursday. Just a day earlier, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Milan with breathing problems.

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been diagnosed with leukaemia, reports emerging from the country said on Thursday. Just a day earlier, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Milan with breathing problems. The 86-year-old media baron is being treated in a cardiac unit of Milan's San Raffaele hospital. Doctors say Berlusconi is being treated for a lung infection and has a “chronic blood condition” that is a kind of leukaemia. Berlusconi’s personal physician, Alberto Zangrillo, signed off on a medical bulletin issued on Thursday afternoon that said Berlusconi “has had for some time” leukaemia in a “persistent chronic phase.” The 86-year-old media mogul who served three terms as Italy’s premier and now serves in the Senate was admitted to Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital on Wednesday for treatment of what aides indicated was a respiratory problem stemming from a previous infection. The publication Corriere della Sera daily confirmed that Berlusconi has been diagnosed with leukaemia, a cancer of the blood cells. According to the Italian news agency Ansa, Berlusconi has started chemotherapy at the hospital. He is in stable condition, the report added. Berlusconi's daughter Marina and son Luigi reached the hospital on Thursday but did not speak with the reporters. Berlusconi's Forza Italia party is part of the right-wing coalition headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. However, he has no role in the government. "I spoke this morning with Professor (Alberto) Zangrillo (Berlusconi's personal doctor) and he told me that Berlusconi spent a quiet night, his condition is stable," Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani told RAI state television. "We all want to be optimistic and we hope that the lion will return soon to take charge of the party. He's our political leader and of course, he never gives up," Tajani told the broadcaster. Berlusconi had earlier spent four days at the same hospital before being discharged last week on March 30. Italian news reports suggest that he is suffering from heart issues also. Earlier, after the pandemic hit, he was hospitalised for Covid-related pneumonia in September 2020. Later he developed complications linked to Covid and was admitted several times the next year. Berlusconi had an open heart surgery in 2016 and surgery on his intestine three years later. He has also had prostate cancer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Italy prime minister Silvio Berlusconi diagnosed with leukaemia, battling lung infection

Former Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi left Milan's San Raffaele hospital after a five-day stay. The 84-year-old politician took a side exit and was not noticed by photographers and camera crews waiting outside main doors.

There is speculation that Berlusconi's health is deteriorating. His doctors have not released detailed update about his condition for weeks however, his party denied on Friday that he was in a critical condition.

"This is not the moment for obituaries," one party source said.

The billionaire businessman has checked into hospital on a number of occasions after coming down with coronavirus last September. He told reporters at the time he had survived “the most dangerous challenge” of his life, but sources later said he continued to suffer ill effects from the deadly virus.

He was hospitalised in March and twice in April. He also went to hospital in January due to a heart problem. 
Political ally Matteo Salvini told reporters on Friday that Berlusconi was "not very well", but predicted he would swiftly bounce back.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi left Milan's San Raffaele hospital after a five-day stay. The 84-year-old politician took a side exit and was not noticed by photographers and camera crews waiting outside main doors.

Former Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi left Milan's San Raffaele hospital after a five-day stay. The 84-year-old politician took a side exit and was not noticed by photographers and camera crews waiting outside main doors. There is speculation that Berlusconi's health is deteriorating. His doctors have not released detailed update about his condition for weeks however, his party denied on Friday that he was in a critical condition. "This is not the moment for obituaries," one party source said. The billionaire businessman has checked into hospital on a number of occasions after coming down with coronavirus last September. He told reporters at the time he had survived “the most dangerous challenge” of his life, but sources later said he continued to suffer ill effects from the deadly virus. He was hospitalised in March and twice in April. He also went to hospital in January due to a heart problem. Political ally Matteo Salvini told reporters on Friday that Berlusconi was "not very well", but predicted he would swiftly bounce back. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Italian PM Berlusconi slips out of hospital unnoticed

We are in a golden age of acting — make that platinum — as we realized when we decided to select our favorite film performers of the past 20 years. There’s no formula for choosing the best (just squabbling), and this list is both necessarily subjective and possibly scandalous in its omissions.

Denzel Washington, Saoirse Ronan, Michael B Jordan: The 25 greatest actors of the 21st century

Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is responding well to treatment after he was taken to hospital with coronavirus, but warned he was in a "delicate" phase.

The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night.

"The patient is calm and is responding optimally to treatments," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said.

Berlusconi tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa in Sardinia.

Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina.

Following a check-up on Thursday evening at his home, Zangrillo insisted that Berlusconi go to the hospital the same night.

On Friday, the doctor said that the billionaire was "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses", including open-heart surgery.

Zangrillo said Berlusconi had a lung infection that had been diagnosed early but was not on a ventilator.

Berlusconi had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities despite the positive test.

Regional elections are due to take place in Italy in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians. 
&nbsp;

Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is responding well to treatment after he was taken to hospital with coronavirus, but warned he was in a "delicate" phase.

Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is responding well to treatment after he was taken to hospital with coronavirus, but warned he was in a "delicate" phase. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night. "The patient is calm and is responding optimally to treatments," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said. Berlusconi tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa in Sardinia. Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina. Following a check-up on Thursday evening at his home, Zangrillo insisted that Berlusconi go to the hospital the same night. On Friday, the doctor said that the billionaire was "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses", including open-heart surgery. Zangrillo said Berlusconi had a lung infection that had been diagnosed early but was not on a ventilator. Berlusconi had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities despite the positive test. Regional elections are due to take place in Italy in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians.

Former Italian premier Berlusconi responding to coronavirus drugs but in 'delicate' phase

Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said.

The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night.

"The clinical condition of Silvio Berlusconi remain stable," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said, adding that his patient's condition was "evolving regularly and expectedly, generating cautious but reasonable hope".

Berlusconi had tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa on Sardinia's jet-set Emerald Coast.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlusconi-hospitalised-as-precaution-after-positive-covid-19-test-325162">Also read|&nbsp;Berlusconi hospitalised as 'precaution' after positive COVID-19 test</a>

Zangrillo said at a news conference on Friday that Berlusconi was not on a ventilator.

The billionaire is "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses," the doctor said, adding that he should remain in hospital for "a few days".

Berlusconi, who has had a long but scandal-plagued political career, announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home.

Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina.

Berlusconi, who once owned the AC Milan football club, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities.

"I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on television and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference held by the women's movement of his Forza Italia party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-but-not-out-berlusconi-could-hold-key-to-italian-governments-future-311918">Also read|&nbsp;Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future</a>

Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians.

The twice-divorced Berlusconi, famed for his steamy dinner parties, grabbed headlines in March after he reportedly split from his longtime girlfriend Francesca Pascale to date Fascina, an MP from his party who is over 50 years his junior.

At the time, the dating antics of the man at the centre of the famous "bunga-bunga" soirees brought Italians a welcome distraction as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on the country.

Berlusconi is the latest in a line of celebrities and prominent people who have contracted the coronavirus since it was first discovered in Wuhan City, in China in December last year.

The list includes Paris Saint-Germain football players including Brazilian star Neymar, as well as movie stars Tom Hanks and Robert Pattinson, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and heir to the British throne Prince Charles.

Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night.

Italy's flamboyant former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was "stable" Saturday, two days after being hospitalised with coronavirus, his doctor said. The 83-year-old media tycoon is being treated for a lung infection at San Raffaele hospital in Milan where he was admitted on Thursday night. "The clinical condition of Silvio Berlusconi remain stable," his doctor Alberto Zangrillo said, adding that his patient's condition was "evolving regularly and expectedly, generating cautious but reasonable hope". Berlusconi had tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa on Sardinia's jet-set Emerald Coast. Also read| Berlusconi hospitalised as 'precaution' after positive COVID-19 test Zangrillo said at a news conference on Friday that Berlusconi was not on a ventilator. The billionaire is "a patient at risk because of his age and previous illnesses," the doctor said, adding that he should remain in hospital for "a few days". Berlusconi, who has had a long but scandal-plagued political career, announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home. Two of his children -- daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 -- have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina. Berlusconi, who once owned the AC Milan football club, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities. "I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on television and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference held by the women's movement of his Forza Italia party. Also read| Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians. The twice-divorced Berlusconi, famed for his steamy dinner parties, grabbed headlines in March after he reportedly split from his longtime girlfriend Francesca Pascale to date Fascina, an MP from his party who is over 50 years his junior. At the time, the dating antics of the man at the centre of the famous "bunga-bunga" soirees brought Italians a welcome distraction as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on the country. Berlusconi is the latest in a line of celebrities and prominent people who have contracted the coronavirus since it was first discovered in Wuhan City, in China in December last year. The list includes Paris Saint-Germain football players including Brazilian star Neymar, as well as movie stars Tom Hanks and Robert Pattinson, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and heir to the British throne Prince Charles.

Italy's Berlusconi 'stable' after coronavirus hospitalisation

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say.

Berlusconi aims to exploit divisions in the ruling coalition over whether Italy should seek a loan from the euro zone`s bailout fund which could provide cheap money for its coronavirus-battered health system, say sources close to the media tycoon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/italy-considering-whether-to-exclude-huawei-from-its-5g-network-311621">Also read:&nbsp;Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network</a>

The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) wants Italy to tap the fund, known as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), while the co-ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is fiercely against the proposal, saying it will pave the way for austerity.

The issue is lacerating the coalition and a 5-Star party source says it could bring down the government when the vote is held, probably in September.

"When it happens, there will be an attempt to form a new majority, and the underlying division in the 5-Star between those who want to stay in government and those who don`t will come to light," the 5-Star source said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-passport-is-now-on-par-with-mexico-311483">Also read:&nbsp;US passport is now on par with Mexico</a>

With the economy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the ESM is not the only problem facing the coalition parties, which often quarrel over issues ranging from justice to reform of public tender rules.

Berlusconi`s rightist allies, the League and Brothers of Italy, share 5-Star`s position on the ESM, but the ex-premier has broken ranks, lining up with the PD and presenting a pro-European image.

"We will vote in favour of the ESM because it is for the good of Italy," Berlusconi told daily newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. He denied any party political motives.

With the political jigsaw increasingly complex, such a scenario could pave the way for a new government centred on the PD and Forza Italia, a mainstream, pro-European option that may go down well with Italy`s partners and financial markets.

No taboo 
The PD says it wants an open discussion with Forza Italia in the name of their shared commitment to the EU. Former centre-left leader Romano Prodi, who defeated his long-time rival in two national elections, said on Wednesday bringing Berlusconi into government "should certainly not be seen as a taboo".

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a technocrat with no party affiliation, has praised Berlusconi`s "constructive" attitude.

"Conte is telling the 5-Star he is able to find new supporters if they become an obstacle," said Giovanni Orsina, director of the School of Government at Rome`s Luiss University.

"Berlusconi is allied with the eurosceptics but at the same time he is a pro-European, so he is at the centre of the two political camps," Orsina said.

Berlusconi denies seeking a strategic marriage with the PD, his traditional adversary, and says new elections remain his favoured outcome. But with Forza Italia`s poll ratings down to around 7%, a senior party source said its members had little appetite for a new vote.

Moreover, with the euro zone`s third largest economy set to contract by around 10% this year, a new election is widely considered unlikely due to the risk of political instability.

"If this government collapses, lawmakers from different parties ready to support another coalition to avoid losing their seats would immediately emerge," the Forza Italia source said.

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say.

He is 83 and has lost most of his former support, but Italy`s four-times prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is manoeuvring to put his centre-right Forza Italia party back into government and could make his move as early as September, sources say. Berlusconi aims to exploit divisions in the ruling coalition over whether Italy should seek a loan from the euro zone`s bailout fund which could provide cheap money for its coronavirus-battered health system, say sources close to the media tycoon. Also read: Italy considering whether to exclude Huawei from its 5G network The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) wants Italy to tap the fund, known as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), while the co-ruling anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is fiercely against the proposal, saying it will pave the way for austerity. The issue is lacerating the coalition and a 5-Star party source says it could bring down the government when the vote is held, probably in September. "When it happens, there will be an attempt to form a new majority, and the underlying division in the 5-Star between those who want to stay in government and those who don`t will come to light," the 5-Star source said. Also read: US passport is now on par with Mexico With the economy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the ESM is not the only problem facing the coalition parties, which often quarrel over issues ranging from justice to reform of public tender rules. Berlusconi`s rightist allies, the League and Brothers of Italy, share 5-Star`s position on the ESM, but the ex-premier has broken ranks, lining up with the PD and presenting a pro-European image. "We will vote in favour of the ESM because it is for the good of Italy," Berlusconi told daily newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. He denied any party political motives. With the political jigsaw increasingly complex, such a scenario could pave the way for a new government centred on the PD and Forza Italia, a mainstream, pro-European option that may go down well with Italy`s partners and financial markets. No taboo The PD says it wants an open discussion with Forza Italia in the name of their shared commitment to the EU. Former centre-left leader Romano Prodi, who defeated his long-time rival in two national elections, said on Wednesday bringing Berlusconi into government "should certainly not be seen as a taboo". Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a technocrat with no party affiliation, has praised Berlusconi`s "constructive" attitude. "Conte is telling the 5-Star he is able to find new supporters if they become an obstacle," said Giovanni Orsina, director of the School of Government at Rome`s Luiss University. "Berlusconi is allied with the eurosceptics but at the same time he is a pro-European, so he is at the centre of the two political camps," Orsina said. Berlusconi denies seeking a strategic marriage with the PD, his traditional adversary, and says new elections remain his favoured outcome. But with Forza Italia`s poll ratings down to around 7%, a senior party source said its members had little appetite for a new vote. Moreover, with the euro zone`s third largest economy set to contract by around 10% this year, a new election is widely considered unlikely due to the risk of political instability. "If this government collapses, lawmakers from different parties ready to support another coalition to avoid losing their seats would immediately emerge," the Forza Italia source said.

Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future

Former&nbsp;Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Thursday his&nbsp;Forza Italia&nbsp;party would&nbsp;vote&nbsp;against&nbsp;the coalition&nbsp;government&nbsp;of the 5-Star Movement and League in a parliamentary confidence motion expected next week.

Forza&nbsp;Italia&nbsp;was allied with the far-right League in an inconclusive March national election. Berlusconi gave his blessing to his ally to hold talks with 5-Star earlier this month after all other political options appeared blocked.

However, Berlusconi said in a statement that the programme drawn up by the two parties was "a naive book of dreams". He added: "We can do no other than confirm our decision to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;no in the confidence motion and be in opposition..."

Forza&nbsp;Italia's&nbsp;votes are not necessary for the 5-Star/League coalition to obtain a majority in parliament.

Forza Italia was allied with the far-right League in an inconclusive March national election

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Thursday his Forza Italia party would vote against the coalition government of the 5-Star Movement and League in a parliamentary confidence motion expected next week. Forza Italia was allied with the far-right League in an inconclusive March national election. Berlusconi gave his blessing to his ally to hold talks with 5-Star earlier this month after all other political options appeared blocked. However, Berlusconi said in a statement that the programme drawn up by the two parties was "a naive book of dreams". He added: "We can do no other than confirm our decision to vote no in the confidence motion and be in opposition..." Forza Italia's votes are not necessary for the 5-Star/League coalition to obtain a majority in parliament.

Forza Italia will vote against the government

Media mogul Silvio Berlusconi&#39;s right-wing coalition was set to win the most votes but could fall short of a majority in Italy&#39;s election Sunday, with far-right and populist parties surging ahead, according to exit polls.

Berlusconi&#39;s grouping was expected to win between 31 and 41 percent of the vote, followed by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement with 29-32 percent, according to an exit poll by Rai public television.

The ruling centre-left Democratic Party, which struggled to get across its message of steady economic handling, was left in third place, according to the exit polls.&nbsp;Anger at the hundreds of thousands of migrant arrivals in Italy in recent years fired up a campaign, along with frustration about Italy&#39;s slow economic recovery.

The boost for far-right and populist parties has drawn comparisons to Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union and the rise of US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;&quot;The European Union is going to have a bad night,&quot; Marine Le Pen, leader of France&#39;s National Front, tweeted.

The Five Star Movement and the far-right League party, a member of Berlusconi&#39;s coalition, are both eurosceptic.&nbsp;&quot;Everyone is going to have to come and speak to us,&quot; Alessandro Di Battista, a leading member of the Five Star Movement, told reporters at the group&#39;s Rome rally.

The League, whose leader Matteo Salvini has been criticised for his Islamophobic rhetoric, was polling neck-and-neck with Berlusconi&#39;s Forza Italia (Go Italy).

One prediction said the League may even come first which would change the balance of power in the coalition.

Berlusconi, a flamboyant three-time former prime minister, cannot hold elected office because of a fraud conviction but has put forward European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his prime ministerial nominee.

Salvini has said he should receive the prime ministerial nomination if his party comes in front -- a prospect that has spooked investors and European capitals.

The campaign was a gloomy one marred by clashes between far-right and anti-fascist activists, as well as a racist shooting spree by an extreme right sympathiser last month.

The right has promised to deport 600,000 &quot;illegal&quot; migrants -- a prospect judged unfeasible by its rivals.

Former White House adviser Steve Bannon -- the&nbsp;man who helped Trump ride a populist wave to power -- characterised the election as &quot;pure populism&quot;.

&quot;The Italian people have gone farther, in a shorter period of time, than the British did for Brexit and the Americans did for Trump,&quot; Bannon, who was visiting Italy for the election, told the New York Times.

Bannon called a possible post-election deal between the Five Star Movement and the League &quot;the ultimate dream&quot;.&nbsp;If no grouping wins an overall majority, analysts say one scenario could be a grand coalition between the ruling centre-left Democratic Party and Berlusconi&#39;s Forza Italia -- a prospect that would reassure investors.

Berlusconi, who won his first election in 1994, has returned to the limelight at the age of 81 despite a career overshadowed by sex scandals and legal woes.

The billionaire was ambushed as he cast his vote in Milan by a topless woman from the Femen activist group who had &quot;Berlusconi, you have expired&quot; scrawled across her torso.

In the event of a stalemate, President Sergio Mattarella will have the key role of choosing a prime ministerial nominee who could command a majority in parliament but negotiations could take weeks or even months.

&quot;The verdict in Italy is always the same: the country is in constant instability. Being ungovernable has become endemic,&quot; said Claudio Tito, columnist for La Repubblica.

The Five Star Movement, which was founded in 2009 by a web entrepreneur and a former comedian, has tapped into disillusionment with traditional parties.

&quot;I voted for the right and Berlusconi in the past... but this time I&#39;m voting Five Star Movement to be against the parties that have always stolen,&quot; said 24-year-old pastry chef Francesco Tagliavini at a polling station in Rome&#39;s Tor Marancia neighbourhood.

&quot;We hope something will change because until now things have been very bad,&quot; said Enzo Gallo, an elderly shopper at a street market in Milan.

The boost for far-right and populist parties has drawn comparisons to Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the rise of US President Donald Trump.

Media mogul Silvio Berlusconi's right-wing coalition was set to win the most votes but could fall short of a majority in Italy's election Sunday, with far-right and populist parties surging ahead, according to exit polls. Berlusconi's grouping was expected to win between 31 and 41 percent of the vote, followed by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement with 29-32 percent, according to an exit poll by Rai public television. The ruling centre-left Democratic Party, which struggled to get across its message of steady economic handling, was left in third place, according to the exit polls. Anger at the hundreds of thousands of migrant arrivals in Italy in recent years fired up a campaign, along with frustration about Italy's slow economic recovery. The boost for far-right and populist parties has drawn comparisons to Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the rise of US President Donald Trump. "The European Union is going to have a bad night," Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Front, tweeted. The Five Star Movement and the far-right League party, a member of Berlusconi's coalition, are both eurosceptic. "Everyone is going to have to come and speak to us," Alessandro Di Battista, a leading member of the Five Star Movement, told reporters at the group's Rome rally. The League, whose leader Matteo Salvini has been criticised for his Islamophobic rhetoric, was polling neck-and-neck with Berlusconi's Forza Italia (Go Italy). One prediction said the League may even come first which would change the balance of power in the coalition. Berlusconi, a flamboyant three-time former prime minister, cannot hold elected office because of a fraud conviction but has put forward European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his prime ministerial nominee. Salvini has said he should receive the prime ministerial nomination if his party comes in front -- a prospect that has spooked investors and European capitals. The campaign was a gloomy one marred by clashes between far-right and anti-fascist activists, as well as a racist shooting spree by an extreme right sympathiser last month. The right has promised to deport 600,000 "illegal" migrants -- a prospect judged unfeasible by its rivals. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon -- the man who helped Trump ride a populist wave to power -- characterised the election as "pure populism". "The Italian people have gone farther, in a shorter period of time, than the British did for Brexit and the Americans did for Trump," Bannon, who was visiting Italy for the election, told the New York Times. Bannon called a possible post-election deal between the Five Star Movement and the League "the ultimate dream". If no grouping wins an overall majority, analysts say one scenario could be a grand coalition between the ruling centre-left Democratic Party and Berlusconi's Forza Italia -- a prospect that would reassure investors. Berlusconi, who won his first election in 1994, has returned to the limelight at the age of 81 despite a career overshadowed by sex scandals and legal woes. The billionaire was ambushed as he cast his vote in Milan by a topless woman from the Femen activist group who had "Berlusconi, you have expired" scrawled across her torso. In the event of a stalemate, President Sergio Mattarella will have the key role of choosing a prime ministerial nominee who could command a majority in parliament but negotiations could take weeks or even months. "The verdict in Italy is always the same: the country is in constant instability. Being ungovernable has become endemic," said Claudio Tito, columnist for La Repubblica. The Five Star Movement, which was founded in 2009 by a web entrepreneur and a former comedian, has tapped into disillusionment with traditional parties. "I voted for the right and Berlusconi in the past... but this time I'm voting Five Star Movement to be against the parties that have always stolen," said 24-year-old pastry chef Francesco Tagliavini at a polling station in Rome's Tor Marancia neighbourhood. "We hope something will change because until now things have been very bad," said Enzo Gallo, an elderly shopper at a street market in Milan.

Italy elections: Silvio Berlusconi's right-wing coalition set to win most votes

Italians began voting on Sunday in one of the country&#39;s most uncertain elections ever, with far-right and populist parties expected to make major gains and Silvio Berlusconi set to play a leading role.

Clashes between far-right and anti-fascist activists have marred a gloomy campaign dominated by fears about immigration and economic malaise.

&quot;It&#39;s been a very negative campaign,&quot; said Domenico Coricelli, a 28-year-old in Florence.

Many Italians are cynical about election promises made by the country&#39;s many squabbling parties and confused about what the outcome might be.

&quot;We hope something will change because until now things have been very bad,&quot; said Enzo Gallo, an elderly shopper at a street market in Milan.

&quot;The middle class no longer exists, the poor are becoming poorer, the rich are becoming richer and there is no social justice,&quot; he told AFP.

The result could be a stalemate between the populist Five Star Movement, three-time former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi&#39;s right wing coalition and the ruling centre-left Democratic Party.

The last opinion polls before the vote put Berlusconi&#39;s coalition in the lead with 37 percent, followed by the Five Star Movement with 28 percent and the centre-left with 27 percent.

But under a new electoral law being tried out for the first time, any grouping would need at least 40 percent of the vote to command an overall majority of seats in both chambers of parliament.

&quot;These elections are a lottery. It&#39;s been the case before but never like today,&quot; said Roberto D&#39;Alimonte, head of political science at Rome&#39;s Luiss University.

Polls opened at 0600 GMT and will close at 2200 GMT with initial results expected early on Monday.

Berlusconi&#39;s back

A remarkable feature of the election has been the return to the limelight of 81-year-old Berlusconi, despite a political career overshadowed by sex scandals and legal woes.

The billionaire tycoon cannot himself hold office because of a tax fraud conviction but has put forward European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his prime ministerial nominee.

Berlusconi&#39;s plans, however, face a challenge from his ambitious coalition partner, League leader Matteo Salvini, whose anti-immigration and eurosceptic rhetoric has fired up the campaign.

Salvini has said he should be nominated prime minister if his party comes ahead of Berlusconi&#39;s and their coalition as a whole wins a majority.

Berlusconi and Salvini have promised to expel 600,000 illegal migrants from Italy if they win power -- a proposal that the centre-left has dismissed as logistically impossible.

&#39;Pure populism&#39;

The election has drawn international attention, including from former White House adviser Steve Bannon -- the man who harnessed the populist insurgency that propelled Donald Trump to power.

Italy&#39;s election &quot;epitomises everything, it is pure populism,&quot; Bannon said in an interview with the New York Times last week.

Bannon, who is visiting Italy as part of a European tour, told the paper: &quot;The Italian people have gone farther, in a shorter period of time, than the British did for Brexit and the Americans did for Trump&quot;.

He called a potential alliance between the Five Star Movement and the League -- a scenario that has spooked financial markets and European capitals -- the &quot;ultimate dream&quot;.

Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi told a final campaign event in his native Florence on Friday that only a vote for his party would prevent Salvini from taking power.

&quot;The Democratic Party is the only serious political force that can bring concrete results,&quot; Chiara Serdone, a 70-year-old retired railway company employee, told AFP at the rally.

Scenarios

If no party wins an overall majority, one scenario outlined by analysts could be a grand coalition between the Democratic Party and Forza Italia -- a prospect that would reassure investors but risks spreading more cynicism and emboldening populists and the far-right.

Another possibility could be a temporary government and eventually new elections.

The anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has drawn support from Italians disillusioned with traditional parties, may end up as the single biggest party but has ruled out any post-election deals with the others.

Five Star&#39;s leader Luigi Di Maio broke with tradition by announcing a full list of ministerial nominees ahead of the vote, including many academics with no political experience.

The 31-year-old Di Maio told supporters: &quot;Some people have mocked this decision but we will be the ones laughing on Monday.&quot;

Italians began voting on Sunday in one of the country's most uncertain elections ever, with far-right and populist parties expected to make major gains and Silvio Berlusconi set to play a leading role

Italians began voting on Sunday in one of the country's most uncertain elections ever, with far-right and populist parties expected to make major gains and Silvio Berlusconi set to play a leading role. Clashes between far-right and anti-fascist activists have marred a gloomy campaign dominated by fears about immigration and economic malaise. "It's been a very negative campaign," said Domenico Coricelli, a 28-year-old in Florence. Many Italians are cynical about election promises made by the country's many squabbling parties and confused about what the outcome might be. "We hope something will change because until now things have been very bad," said Enzo Gallo, an elderly shopper at a street market in Milan. "The middle class no longer exists, the poor are becoming poorer, the rich are becoming richer and there is no social justice," he told AFP. The result could be a stalemate between the populist Five Star Movement, three-time former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's right wing coalition and the ruling centre-left Democratic Party. The last opinion polls before the vote put Berlusconi's coalition in the lead with 37 percent, followed by the Five Star Movement with 28 percent and the centre-left with 27 percent. But under a new electoral law being tried out for the first time, any grouping would need at least 40 percent of the vote to command an overall majority of seats in both chambers of parliament. "These elections are a lottery. It's been the case before but never like today," said Roberto D'Alimonte, head of political science at Rome's Luiss University. Polls opened at 0600 GMT and will close at 2200 GMT with initial results expected early on Monday. Berlusconi's back A remarkable feature of the election has been the return to the limelight of 81-year-old Berlusconi, despite a political career overshadowed by sex scandals and legal woes. The billionaire tycoon cannot himself hold office because of a tax fraud conviction but has put forward European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his prime ministerial nominee. Berlusconi's plans, however, face a challenge from his ambitious coalition partner, League leader Matteo Salvini, whose anti-immigration and eurosceptic rhetoric has fired up the campaign. Salvini has said he should be nominated prime minister if his party comes ahead of Berlusconi's and their coalition as a whole wins a majority. Berlusconi and Salvini have promised to expel 600,000 illegal migrants from Italy if they win power -- a proposal that the centre-left has dismissed as logistically impossible. 'Pure populism' The election has drawn international attention, including from former White House adviser Steve Bannon -- the man who harnessed the populist insurgency that propelled Donald Trump to power. Italy's election "epitomises everything, it is pure populism," Bannon said in an interview with the New York Times last week. Bannon, who is visiting Italy as part of a European tour, told the paper: "The Italian people have gone farther, in a shorter period of time, than the British did for Brexit and the Americans did for Trump". He called a potential alliance between the Five Star Movement and the League -- a scenario that has spooked financial markets and European capitals -- the "ultimate dream". Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi told a final campaign event in his native Florence on Friday that only a vote for his party would prevent Salvini from taking power. "The Democratic Party is the only serious political force that can bring concrete results," Chiara Serdone, a 70-year-old retired railway company employee, told AFP at the rally. Scenarios If no party wins an overall majority, one scenario outlined by analysts could be a grand coalition between the Democratic Party and Forza Italia -- a prospect that would reassure investors but risks spreading more cynicism and emboldening populists and the far-right. Another possibility could be a temporary government and eventually new elections. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has drawn support from Italians disillusioned with traditional parties, may end up as the single biggest party but has ruled out any post-election deals with the others. Five Star's leader Luigi Di Maio broke with tradition by announcing a full list of ministerial nominees ahead of the vote, including many academics with no political experience. The 31-year-old Di Maio told supporters: "Some people have mocked this decision but we will be the ones laughing on Monday."

Italy votes in uncertain election stalked by populism

Silvio Berlusconi would retain ownership of AC Milan if the Chinese consortium currently struggling to purchase the Serie A giants fails to complete the deal, his son Pier Silvio said.

&quot;If the Chinese walk away, it wouldn&#39;t be very pleasing to my father because selling the club is a very emotional experience for him,&quot; Pier Silvio Berlusconi, a vice-president of AC Milan, told Italian radio.

&quot;If that was the case, we would happily forge on ahead.&quot;

Sino-Europe Sports (SES), led by mystery figure Yonghong Li, was scheduled Thursday to make a third down payment of 100m euros as part of a deal that values AC Milan at 740 million euros ($825.4 million).

Despite already making two separate down payments of 100m euros totalling 200m, there was growing speculation the takeover of one of Italy&#39;s most successful and emblematic clubs could collapse.

Silvio Berlusconi has already given SES several extensions and reports from New York on Wednesday said key backer, Haixia Capital Management Co, has been forced to pull out amid a Chinese government clampdown on investments made outside the country.

After SES failed to meet a March 3 deadline for the takeover, Milan and SES were pilloried on social media with fans and rivals alike comparing the saga to Michael Ende&#39;s &#39;Never Ending Story&#39;, which has been adapted to both film and theatre.

Berlusconi&#39;s patience is reportedly wearing thin, although his son suggested that would be tempered by his father walking away with the down payments already made. As part of the agreement between Li and Berlusconi, the Italian media tycoon would retain SES&#39;s deposits in the event the deal collapses.

&quot;From an economic point of view it wouldn&#39;t be damaging (for AC Milan) given the penalty, if we can call it that, is quite substantial,&quot; added Pier Silvio.

&quot;But the agreements and the down payments give me faith.&quot;

If the takeover collapses, the 80-year-old Berlusconi is unlikely to put the club up for sale again, said his son: &quot;I&#39;m sure the deal will be completed. But if we don&#39;t sell to the Chinese, there will be only one other owner: my father.&quot;

Berlusconi has overseen the most successful period in the club&#39;s history, Milan winning eight Serie A and five Champions League titles since he took over as president in 1986.

(AFP)

There is uncertainty over Chinese-owned Sino-Europe Sports' ability to buy the club

Silvio Berlusconi would retain ownership of AC Milan if the Chinese consortium currently struggling to purchase the Serie A giants fails to complete the deal, his son Pier Silvio said. "If the Chinese walk away, it wouldn't be very pleasing to my father because selling the club is a very emotional experience for him," Pier Silvio Berlusconi, a vice-president of AC Milan, told Italian radio. "If that was the case, we would happily forge on ahead." Sino-Europe Sports (SES), led by mystery figure Yonghong Li, was scheduled Thursday to make a third down payment of 100m euros as part of a deal that values AC Milan at 740 million euros ($825.4 million). Despite already making two separate down payments of 100m euros totalling 200m, there was growing speculation the takeover of one of Italy's most successful and emblematic clubs could collapse. Silvio Berlusconi has already given SES several extensions and reports from New York on Wednesday said key backer, Haixia Capital Management Co, has been forced to pull out amid a Chinese government clampdown on investments made outside the country. After SES failed to meet a March 3 deadline for the takeover, Milan and SES were pilloried on social media with fans and rivals alike comparing the saga to Michael Ende's 'Never Ending Story', which has been adapted to both film and theatre. Berlusconi's patience is reportedly wearing thin, although his son suggested that would be tempered by his father walking away with the down payments already made. As part of the agreement between Li and Berlusconi, the Italian media tycoon would retain SES's deposits in the event the deal collapses. "From an economic point of view it wouldn't be damaging (for AC Milan) given the penalty, if we can call it that, is quite substantial," added Pier Silvio. "But the agreements and the down payments give me faith." If the takeover collapses, the 80-year-old Berlusconi is unlikely to put the club up for sale again, said his son: "I'm sure the deal will be completed. But if we don't sell to the Chinese, there will be only one other owner: my father." Berlusconi has overseen the most successful period in the club's history, Milan winning eight Serie A and five Champions League titles since he took over as president in 1986. (AFP)

Berlusconi to keep hold of AC Milan if takeover talks collapse

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