(ANSA) - Brussels, January 5 - Italy protested Tuesday after losing its only component of the cabinet of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, legal expert Carlo Zadra.

Zadra quit and was replaced by a Briton after clashing with Cabinet Chief Martin Selmayr.

"This is unacceptable," European Affairs Undersecretary Sandro Gozi told ANSA.

He said Italy was pressing for the slot to stay Italian.

"Starting 2016 without an Italian would certainly not facilitate relations with Italy," Gozi said.

