Berlusconi 'calm' after attack

Silvio Berlusconi’s spokesman said today the Italian leader spent a better night in hospital, four days after he was hit in the face by a mentally ill man.

The attack broke Mr Berlusconi’s nose and two teeth and cut his face and lips.

His doctor has said he expects the premier to be discharged from Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital today.

The prime minister’s spokesman, Paolo Bonaiuti, said in an interview on Sky TG24 TV that Mr Berlusconi was “calm” when he awoke and asked to see the daily newspapers.

Yesterday doctors said he was still suffering a lot of pain after Sunday’s attack and had trouble eating.