Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has been undergoing heart tests after fainting during a rally, will be discharged from a Milan hospital tomorrow, his doctor said.

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who was rushed to hospital for tests after he fainted during a rally, has no intention of leaving politics, his spokesman said today.

Italy’s parliament today appeared to be heading for an unprecedented split between the conservative coalition led by Premier Silvio Berlusconi and one led by his centre-left challenger.

ITALIAN Premier Silvio Berlusconi is facing a strong challenge from his centre-left opponent Romano Prodi in parliamentary elections marked by disenchantment over Italy's stagnant economy and a bitter campaign.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi told supporters that Italian communists posed a lingering threat to democracy, returning to one of his favourite themes as he campaigned ahead of next year’s general election.

A close political ally of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was convicted of ties with the Sicilian Mafia today and sentenced to nine years in prison, news reports said.

AFTER the conviction of one of his oldest business and political allies for bribing judges, all eyes now turn to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, due to face charges in an unrelated corruption case tomorrow.

Fifteen suspected Mafia bosses have been arrested as they sat down in a Sicilian country house to elect a new Godfather.

Seven years after his first, stormy tenure, media baron and conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi was tonight poised to get his chance to govern Italy again.

Italy's right-wing opposition leader says he's the best politician in the world.