"This is a case of gridlock, " James Walston of the American University of Rome told CNN.

CNN: Italy tumbles into 'chaotic uncertainty'

Bersani would boost his prospects of winning over Grillo lawmakers by packing his proposed Cabinet with non-political names, said Walston, a professor at American University of Rome.

NPR: Italy's Bersani Tapped To Form New Government

Bersani, 61, comes across as "bluff and homespun, and that's part of his appeal -- or not, depending on your point of view, " said political analyst James Walston, department chair of international relations at the American University of Rome.

CNN: Leftists leading in parliamentary elections in Italy