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Should the 5 Star Movement chose to enter a coalition, they could put forward a radical anti-EU programme in a crushing blow to Brussels. Luigi Di Maio’s party is on track to win 33.1 per cent of the vote in the upper house of the Italian Parliament, putting them in the driving seat should they chose to enter talks for negotiations. The 5 Star Movement has previously ruled out governing with any other political party, however, following the announcement of the exit polls, Alfonso Bonafede, a close ally of 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio, told La7 television: "We will be a pillar of the legislature." Analysing the exit poll, former Chief Economist to the Italian Treasury Department, Lorenzo Codogno, said: “The 5 Star Movement is by far the first party in Italy, and it posted a better than expected outcome.

GETTY The 5 Star Movement look set to be the largest party

“At least, in theory, the 5 Star Movement, the Northern League and the Brothers of Italy may be able to form an anti-establishment anti-euro coalition. “We will see the final results, but it appears possible.” The result is likely to concern Brussels Bureaucrats who will fear a coalition led by the 5 Star Movement will demand major reforms to the EU to return sovereignty to Rome and may even look to hold a referendum on membership of the trade bloc. There has been a dramatic increase in Euroscepticism in Italy since the 2008 financial crash.

Italian election 2018 LIVE pictures: Who will win Italy election? Sun, March 4, 2018 Silvio Berlusconi, Matteo Salvini, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Renzi battle it out to become the next Prime Minister Play slideshow TWITTER 1 of 8 Italian election exit polls show Five Star Movement surge

A decade ago Italy was one of the largest advocates for further integration in Europe and a strong supporter of the Euro. However, a Eurobarometer survey conducted by the EU itself at the end of last year, highlighted a dramatic shift in the views of Italians. Under 60 per cent supported the retention of the status quo, making Italy one of the most Eurosceptic countries of the EU27. Speaking to Express.co.uk prior to polling day, Mr Codogno indicated it was unlikely the international organisation would listen to Italy’s demands for reform, pushing the country to the edge of “Italexit”.

He said: “Europe is made up of many countries and Italy will not be allowed to have an election and then go to Europe and say we want to change everything. “We saw that happen in Greece and the negotiation didn’t end up going very well. “So there is very little change to change policies in the EU. “I’m not sure Italy alone can do much.”

GETTY Italian election: Polls are being counted with early results positive for the 5 Star Movement

GETTY Alfonso Bonafede has said the 5 Star Movement will be a 'pillar of the legislature'