The possible return of Silvio Berlusconi to the political stage spooked rival politicians and investors, but it would be foolish to write the wily fox off yet, says Barry Moody

ITALY’s president appointed former European Commissioner Mario Monti yesterday to head a new government charged with implementing urgent reforms to end a crisis that has endangered the whole eurozone.

PRIME MINISTER Silvio Berlusconi said yesterday he had no intention of stepping down and dismissed a weekend demonstration by women across Italy over his involvement in a sex scandal.

HUNDREDS of thousands of women rallied in Rome and other cities yesterday, incensed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s sex scandal which they say has disgraced Italy.