Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in intensive care

The 86-year-old three-time premier was admitted to the San Raffaele hospital, where he routinely receives care, said spokesman Paolo Emilio Russo.

The billionaire media tycoon and four-times premier has suffered repeated bouts of ill-health in recent years. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has been admitted to hospital in Milan.

Italian media reported that he was in an intensive care unit (ICU) suffering from respiratory problems.