Italians began voting today in parliamentary elections pitting media mogul and conservative premier Silvio Berlusconi against centre-left leader Romano Prodi in what has been a close race.

Italians got a break from bitter political rhetoric today, a day before general elections and at the end of a divisive race that was largely consumed by mud-slinging.

Billionaire Silvio Berlusconi has said a "new era" is beginning for Italy, after his conservative coalition last night won the country's general election.