Will Italy leave the EU after the Italian elections, what were the results and what has Silvio Berlusconi said?
ITALY is likely to face a hung parliament after a surge in support for right-wing parties in the country caused fresh uncertainty in one of the EU's largest economies.
But what about Italy's place in Europe? Could it be affected by the vote? Here's the lowdown.
Will Italy leave the EU?
Italy's election was being fought on many issues — but few more central than the country's relationship with Europe.
While none of the main parties do not expressly want to leave the EU, the influence of smaller parties on a potential coalition government could prove decisive.
The populist Five Star Movement won the largest share of the vote and has campaigned on reforming the EU from within.
But it was not long ago that the newly-formed party was vehemently against the European project.
Other right-wing and far-right parties like the Northern League and Brothers of Italy are staunch in their rejection of the EU.
So the structure of a coalition is key.
What has Silvio Berlusconi said and is he back in power?
A coalition of the Northern League, a far-right party, and the centre-right coalition headed by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi looks likely to take the most seats in the Italian parliament's lower house.
Despite the right-wing coalition finishing first, Berlusconi's Forza Italia party actually garnered fewer votes than allies The Northern League.
The anti-immigrant and eurosceptic party of Matteo Salvini, who like Donald Trump has never held public office, captured around 18 per cent, while Forza Italia won less than 14 per cent.
Berlusconi backed European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his choice of PM if his party was to win. The former owner of seven-time European champions AC Milan cannot hold office owing to a tax fraud conviction.
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When was Italy's general election and what were the results?
Italians went to the polls on Sunday, March 4, 2018, with votes taking place across the country.
Turnout was estimated at 73 per cent on March 5.
Results are still coming in but the latest results show the Five Star Movement gaining 32 per cent.
The Northern League, often referred to as just the League, got 17 per cent and Berlusconi's coalition of Forza Italia gained 14 per cent.
Undoubtedly the biggest losers on the night were the ruling Democratic Party lead by Matteo Renzi which secured just under 19 per cent.
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