Italian election LATEST: Berlusconi puts forward EU boss Tajani as his prime minister

Mr Berlusconi revealed he is waiting for the “go-ahead” from the European Parliament President, before making Mr Tajani his official pick ahead of Sunday’s Italian election.

The ex-Italian PM will lead his Forza Italia party at the election, but cannot stand until next year. 

Polls suggest the election will be closely fought, with many excepting a centre-right coalition to prevail in which Mr Berlusconi and his Forza Italia party would be kingmakers.

Speaking in the Facebook-Ansa Forum, Berlusconi commented on his election prospects: “We are not Germany, the parties in the field have different visions and principles… I am sure that this [a coalition] will not happen, and that we will be able to have a government.

“5-Star is not able to run a newsagent, they have demonstrated that wherever they were called to run the city.

“Ask Di Maio, how can a boy who could not even study and work take responsibility for a government of the country.”

Mr Berlusconi also spoke warmly about Mr Tajani as a potential Prime Minister this week: “Because of the very important role [Tajani] fills, he has asked me to put forward his name only when he gives me the go-ahead.

“Everyone can understand that he would be an excellent candidate because Italy doesn’t count for anything anymore in Europe or in the world. He would count an awful lot because he is the president of the European institution which is directly elected by European citizens.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday Mr Tajani – who was a founder member of the Forza Italia party and has also previously served as an MEP in Brussels – called Mr Berlusconi “the last statesman with strong international involvement”.

Mr Tajani does, however, continue to deny that he is interested in leading Italy.

He said: “I’m not participating in the election campaign, I do not deal with internal politics, I did not run for elections and so I think it’s right not to talk about Italian issues until March 4.”