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The unexpected gain will cause concerns in Brussels after top bosses pinned their hopes for the future of Italy on the former Prime Minister.

The Lega – formerly known as the Northern League – is expected to win 30 percent of the vote in the North Eastern region of Veneto, gaining three times more votes than Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI).

Party leader Matteo Salvini said: "I think the Lega will overcome Forza Italia, but Italians will carry out the ultimate poll, the elections.

"I just need 0.1 percent more than Forza Italia, because that means our substance and coherence has been rewarded."