Controversial referendums are being held in the wealthy Lombardy and Veneto regions with sweeping new local powers at stake for their regional governments in Milan and Venice.
The landmark polls will be held on October 22, drawing parallels to the havoc which has swept Spain after the unofficial Catalan independence vote.
Now the right-wing Lega Nord party are calling for a referendum on separating the region of Emilia-Romagna into two sections.
And Lega Nord leader, Matteo Salvini pledged that, if Sunday’s votes are successful, there could be more across Italy.
He told the Corriere Della Sera: “Until Sunday, the only thing to talk about is the referendum.
“And if they go well in Lombardy and Veneto, the next day I will propose more referendums in Piedmont, Apulia, Abruzzo and Liguria.”
He claimed the independence push would be a boost to people with disabilities, funding research and investment in small businesses away from Rome’s central government and its financial cutbacks.
Mr Salvini, said: “The world is changing, we don’t have time to lose. It is a unique opportunity for the first time in history and respecting the constitution.
“Next Sunday, 15 million Italian citizens can choose a less expensive policy that spends better. In real life, it means to manage schools at a regional level.
“It means to help people with disabilities despite the central government cuts.
“It means funding research, investing in small businesses and craftsmen without relying on Rome and its cuts. School, health, employment.
“It is a very specific referendum like few others.”
The upcoming referendums will ask voters if they want their regional council to invoke the third paragraph of Article 116 of the Italian Constitution.
That gives regions with a balanced budget the power to demand new powers and a greater degree of autonomy from the Italian government.
Lombardy governor and devolution supporter Roberto Maroni announced the vote in May and said it would prove historic.
He said: “Today is the start of a new history for Lombardy.
“I am very happy and emotional; this is the culmination of many battles, the realisation of a dream. Now the people will have their say.”
But Mr Salvini tried to play down concerns today that the votes could cause mayhem for the country.
He said: “Referendums are part of the national unity and they foresee that the regions can deal with schools, research.
“There is no danger for anyone.”
(Additional reporting by Maria Ortega)