Luigi Di Maio’s Eurosceptic party had taken 31.75 percent of the votes this morning from 75 percent of votes counted overnight after polling stations closed at 11pm (10pm GMT time).
The latest projections show the centre-right coalition – formed of Lega, Forza Italia, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli Italia) and Us with Italy (Noi con I’Italia) – on top with 37.01 percent of votes.
Matteo Salvini’s Lega currently sits at the top of the conservative alliance with 17.48 percent of votes, followed by Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia on 14.04 percent.
Initial voting is pointing towards a hung parliament with M5S and the centre-right bloc failing to secure a necessary majority win.
What parties are now in power in Italy?
Voters have decisively rejected traditional parties in the 2018 Italian election, flocking to far-right and anti-establishment parties in their droves.
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Angry voters rejected the left in a protest against high unemployment and increasing migration from African nations.
Matteo Renzi’s centre-left Democratic Party (PD) was crushed taking 18.72 percent of votes and the centre-left coalition only taking 22.90 percent of votes.
Allegations surfaced this morning that the party’s head was set to resign, but a spokesman for Mr Renzi has denied this.
Mr Di Maio celebrated his party’s performance as he left his home in Rome today, saying: “Its a beautiful day, despite the rain.”
He added: “It’s a historical result and it was an indescribable emotion.”
Although the full results may not be known for some time, initial tallies suggest that M5S would be able to form a coalition with the right-wing bloc.
But Salvini denied an alliance with M5S saying any government should be formed by a centre-right bloc only.
He said: “We of the centre-right wing coalition deserve the right to form the next government.
“We are all happy, here we have a coalition that has won and can lead the country.”
Forza Italia’s Renato Brunetta agreed with Mr Salvini and said a government would come from a conservative coalition.
The leading Forza Italia personality said: “Whoever won more seats within the coalition will form a government.
“The centre-right wing coalition won, Renzi’s PD has been crushed.
“Soon there will be a queue of people desiring to join our coalition.”
If no party or coalition reaches the 40 percent majority by the time the counts are fully counted (2pm local time), President Sergio Mattarellato will make the decision over which candidates are best suited to forming a government.
He will then present his choice to Parliament for a vote of confidence.