Silvio Berlusconi was sworn in as premier of Italy’s 60th government in as many years today, after naming a team of ministers that closely resembles the one he led until stepping down days earlier during a power struggle with allies.

Alessandra Rizzo, Rome

Political confusion deepened in Rome tonight when Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi contradicted earlier expectations that he was about to resign and form a new government by saying he had not stepped down.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi held last-minute talks today with the leader of a rebel centrist party in hopes of patching up divisions that have brought his four-year government to the brink of collapse.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi was expected to meet Italy’s president today to discuss his government’s future after a key allied party bolted his centre-right coalition, plunging it into crisis.