Italy's right united in attempt to form government, name prime minister

In the first round of consultations, the three rightist leaders saw Mattarella separately and there has been widespread speculation that Salvini will eventually ditch Berlusconi to forge a pact with the 5-Star.

5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio has said he would be happy to work with either the League or the outgoing centre-left Democratic Party (PD), a proposal so far rejected by both parties.

The PD says it wants to go into opposition, while Salvini has refused to break with Berlusconi, which is a condition posed by Di Maio.

While Salvini is ready to try to link up with 5-Star, Berlusconi has repeatedly denounced the anti-system movement.

On Sunday, Salvini ruled out any possible tie-up with the PD, telling Corriere della Sera in an interview that "if there is an attempt to be made, it is with the 5-Star".

But Di Maio quickly retorted in a Facebook message, saying the centre-right coalition would get no support from 5-Star.

"I see the League promised change, but prefers to hold on to Berlusconi and condemn itself to irrelevance," Di Maio said.

"When Salvini decides he wants to govern for the good of Italy, he can give us a call; we will tell him if we are still available to work with him."

Reuters