Matteo Renzi's defeat in the Italian referendum has dealt a body blow to a European Union already reeling from the anti-establishment anger that led to Britain's shock decision to exit the EU.

The result at the polls energised the anti-immigrant Northern League party, an ally of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Eurosceptic Five Star Movement with both parties calling for snap elections. Five Star is also looking to force another referendum, this time on taking Italy out of the European single currency.