FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

The country's embattled prime minister, Matteo Renzi removed the EU flag from a press conference, choosing instead to speak in front of a row of Italian flags. His controversial statement came as far-right campaigners gathered yesterday for a large scale protest calling for the downfall of the pro-European leader just weeks before a referendum that could tear the bloc apart. Mr Renzi faces the biggest challenge of his two-and-a-half years in office on December 4 when Italy will vote in a referendum on constitutional reform which has become a proxy vote on the country's membership of the bloc.

FACEBOOK Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi removed the flag for his speech on Facebook

The 41-year-old has put his political future on the line because of the vote, saying repeatedly that he will resign if he loses. Speaking from his personal office at Palazzo Chigi, his official residence, Mr Renzi had defiantly removed the EU flags for the address. In a video available on his official Facebook page, Mr Renzi spoke in front of six Italian flags instead of the usual combination of a European flag, and Italian flag and and the Italian Council of Ministers.

GETTY Mr Renzi faces being ousted as Prime Minister

GETTY Thousands gathered to call for Renzi to quit and be replaced by Matteo Salvini

Trump has shown with his ideas and his courage that it is possible to win Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing Northern League

It is understood Mr Renzi removed the flag on the recommendation of his communications guru Jim Messina, who was previously Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. Mr Trump has made no secret of his hatred of the EU - referring to his shock election victory last Wednesday as 'Brexit plus plus'. Meanwhile Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing Northern League, told a rally in Florence that he is their answer to Mr Trump and plans to dominate the political landscape.

GETTY Mr Renzi was advised to remove the EU flag by his communications guru

Speaking to the crowd, who waved Russian and American flags, Mr Salvini said: "The lesson provided by Trump and the free vote of the American people is that you can win over everything - the banks, the lobbyists, journalists, even pop stars. "We didn't ask any pop stars today because we saw what happened in America to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and Bon Jovi. We're just presenting ourselves." Mr Salvini added: "Our ideas were seen as being crazy until just recently - taxation at 15 per cent, excise duties on counterfeit Chinese goods, halting uncontrolled immigration.

GETTY Northern League leader Matteo Salvini said Trump's victory shows what can be achieved

What countries are in the EU? Wed, September 14, 2016 In the wake of Brexit, we look at the 28 member states that are in the European Union. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 29 Countries that are in the European Union