Exit polls put Silvio Berlusconi narrowly in the lead for his attempt to become Italy’s premier for a third time today.

Italian voters turned out for the second and final day of elections today with billionaire Silvio Berlusconi seemingly edging into a lead for his third time as premier.

TO most of the outside world, Italy is a land of beautiful landscapes, delicious food, glamorous fashion and Renaissance art treasures.

Italians are going to the polls in a general election that could bring conservative billionaire Silvio Berlusconi back to power.

Italian opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi urged the country to close its borders to Romanian workers and a conservative ally called for the expulsion of tens of thousands of immigrants as the nation grappled today with public outrage over a wave of violent crimes blamed on foreigners.

US Senator Barack Obama has the aura of a rock star, according to George Clooney, who also had nice words for the other Democratic Party presidential candidates.

An Italian military judge has suspended a work-release permit for a former Nazi SS captain convicted for his role in a 1944 massacre, court officials said today.

Dozens of Italian Jews protested outside a lawyer’s office where a former Nazi officer has begun work.

Early arriving Manchester United fans enjoyed a trouble-free night in Rome despite the row that has erupted over the potential for trouble at tonight’s Champions League tie at the Stadio Olimpico.

ITALY’S Prime Minister Romano Prodi has never been a great football fan, unlike his opposite number Silvio Berlusconi, who is both president and owner of AC Milan, as well as most of the country’s TV stations.

Tom Cruise and fiancee Katie Holmes made a late-night visit to City Hall, sending paparazzi chasing after them on scooters through the streets of Rome.

Piazzas from Rome to Milan, and small towns in between, erupted in cheers and fireworks yesterday as hundreds of thousands of joyous, flag-waving Italians celebrated their team’s fourth World Cup title, won in a tense penalty shootout victory against France.

Piazzas from Rome to Milan, and small towns in between, erupted in cheers and fireworks tonight as hundreds of thousands of joyous, flag-waving fans celebrated Italy’s fourth World Cup title, won in a tense penalty-shot victory over France.

The granddaughter of wartime Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini today said she is running to be mayor of Rome in elections next month.

Romano Mussolini, a jazz musician and painter who was a son of Italy’s World War II dictator Benito Mussolini, has died, his daughter said today.

Rocker Bob Geldof accepted the Man For Peace Award at a ceremony in Rome yesterday, and took the opportunity to attack the European Union for failing to aid fair trade with Africa.

Irish rocker Bob Geldof appealed for fair trade today as he received a peace award in Rome that recognises his campaigns against poverty.

Live 8 organiser Bob Geldof was scheduled to receive a peace award in Rome tomorrow from a foundation headed by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav today gave a lukewarm reception to a compromise to open Gaza’s borders, saying that Israel would have preferred to monitor the crossing directly instead of leaving the job to European monitors.

Elton John will take the stage just outside the Coliseum in September, Rome officials said today.

Rome’s security officials today banned a planned demonstration by a right-wing group seeking a pardon for former Nazi captain Erich Priebke, who was convicted for a wartime massacre of 335 civilians.

Thousands gathered in Rome’s ancient Circus Maximus today to watch Faith Hill, Duran Duran and a long list of Italian stars, in one of 10 concerts across the globe to help raise awareness about African poverty.

Cardinals began “an intense period of silence and prayer” inthe Vatican before their conclave to choose the next pope, saying they will stop speaking publicly to protect the strict secrecy surrounding the centuries-old tradition.

Cardinals began “an intense period of silence and prayer” today before their conclave in the Vatican City, saying they would stop speaking publicly to protect the strict secrecy that surrounds the centuries-old tradition of choosing the next pope.

The Vatican shut the doors of St Peter’s Basilica tonight, ending four days of visits by pilgrims who streamed past the remains of Pope John Paul II, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Mourners streamed past the crimson-robed body of John Paul II for a second day today, with thousands waiting in line to say a personal farewell to the pontiff, as the cardinals who will elect his successor prepared for another round of preparatory meetings to arrange for the conclave.

Pope John Paul’s funeral will be held on Friday morning, and his remains will be interred in the grotto of St Peter’s Basilica where popes throughout the ages have been laid to rest, the Vatican said today.

POPE John Paul appeared at his window to bless the faithful on Easter Sunday but in a dramatic episode that brought tears to the eyes of many, he failed in his attempt to speak.

Italy was commemorating the victims of mob-related violence today, remembering hundreds of policemen, magistrates and citizens killed by the Mafia.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev presented the singer once known as Cat Stevens with a peace prize today, honouring his work for charity.

Billionaire Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi today filed a €14m slander lawsuit against an opposition leader over comments he made about an alleged kickback scandal.