Hassan said the Arab uprising last year, which saw Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak overthrown in a wave of protest, was a factor in the team's fall in fortunes.

CNN: Soccer star Hassan: Egypt is in a 'dark tunnel'

Already in a sea of troubles, Labour would be facing a tidal wave of protest in the May council elections if revaluation had gone ahead.

ECONOMIST: Caution will trump valour

The Five Star Movement, riding a wave of popular protest and discontent, is expected do well in the polls, but its leader Beppe Grillo has ruled out making alliances with other parties.

BBC: Q&A: Italian election