Italy’s fragile coalition government, already struggling to contain deep divisions over tax and economic policy, woke up to a whole set of new problems yesterday after Silvio Berlusconi’s conviction for tax fraud was upheld by the supreme court.

Writer William Congreve, who died in 1729, warned us that “heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned”.

Italy’s supreme court upheld a jail sentence against Silvio Berlusconi for tax fraud in a devastating blow to the former prime minister that could throw the country’s fragile coalition government into crisis.

Silvio Berlusconi has won a delay in his sex-for-hire trial after pleading he was too ill to attend court.

Mario Balotelli has found himself at the centre of a racism storm in Italy after a shocking public remark by AC Milan vice-president Paolo Berlusconi, younger brother of the club president Silvio.

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has dropped former allies accused of corruption and mafia association as election candidates, in a bid to shed the image of scandal that has dogged sections of his centre-right party.

Milan court officials have defended the impartiality of their judges after ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi blamed “feminist, communist” magistrates for a €200,000-a-day divorce settlement.

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has blamed “feminist, communist” judges for a €200,000-a-day divorce settlement following the break up of his second marriage.

Former premier Silvio Berlusconi sharply criticised the decision by Mario Monti to run in Italy’s general elections and vowed to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the 2011 fall of his government and appointment of Monti as Italy’s premier.

Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party withdrew its support for Italy’s technocrat prime minister Mario Monti, setting up a conflict that could force an early election.

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi suggested that he will attempt a return to power — using the old party name that brought him into politics two decades ago.

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has suggested in an interview that he will attempt a return to power – using the old party name that brought him into politics two decades ago.

Strippers in nun costumes danced in front of Silvio Berlusconi at his villa, a witness told a Milan court where the former Italian prime minister is on trial for allegedly having sex with an underage prostitute.

New Italian leader Mario Monti has formed a government tasked with helping Italy escape financial disaster.

A close associate of Silvio Berlusconi has promised that the outgoing Italian prime minister’s party will give full support to Mario Monti, as the economist prepares to form a government which aims to save the country from financial disaster.

Italy’s prime minister-designate won wide backing from political leaders today as he worked to put together a cabinet that can steer the eurozone’s third-biggest economy through its debt crisis.

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi recognised a humiliating defeat last night in referendums aimed at blocking nuclear power and abolishing a law intended to give him legal immunity.

THE latest scandal surrounding Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has damaged his public image but support for his party has risen, meaning he would likely win an early election, a respected pollster said yesterday.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is advising young women to follow the money when looking for a partner, saying women like him and “I’m loaded.”

Italian police have issued arrest warrants more than 50 people, including some in Britain, in a crackdown on a money laundering ring.

FIANNA FÁIL MEPs got a dressing down for voting with their old Berlusconi allies in the European Parliament and defeating a motion put forward by their own group.

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's private life was back in the spotlight when a leading news group posted audio tapes and transcripts of what it said were conversations with a female escort.