Eurosceptic Lega (League) party leader Matteo Salvini has vowed to remain populist on Monday morning after the anti-immigration party was projected to take 18% of the votes. The projections mark an impressive feat over former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, which had been tipped to be the largest party of a potential centre-right coalition.

"I am and will remain proudly populist," said Salvini.

"The euro was, is and remains a mistake," he said, but found the idea of holding a referendum over Italy's continued participation in the single currency was "unthinkable".

The Lega leader, a staunch Eurosceptic, also emphasised that Europe needed to be rebuilt "around people, but not bureaucracy",

Salvini on Monday during the press conference said the centre-right coalition has won and can govern, adding that the financial markets had "nothing to fear".

The anti-establishment party 5 Star Movement is predicted to take the most seats, but is projected to fall short of a majority to form a government.

Salvini appeared to reject the idea of his League teaming up with 5 Star, saying "No to strange coalitions. No, no, no..."

The centre-right alliance, made up of four parties including Forza Italia, is projected to win about 37% of votes.