Italian PM Berlusconi 'expected to resign'

News reports in Italy say Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will resign today after addressing Parliament on the crisis enveloping his government.

The premier was scheduled to deliver his speech this afternoon, first in the Senate and then in the lower house of parliament. If he does not resign, he is expected to face a confidence vote tomorrow.

If he loses that, his government, the longest-serving in post-war Italy, must resign.