Stefano Pirazzi cried tears of joy after winning his first Grand Tour stage in his home race yesterday, but behind him arguments still raged after Tuesday’s controversial Giro d’Italia stage put Nairo Quintana in the pink jersey of race leader.

ITALIAN Premier Silvio Berlusconi is facing a strong challenge from his centre-left opponent Romano Prodi in parliamentary elections marked by disenchantment over Italy's stagnant economy and a bitter campaign.