After meeting Mr Napolitano, Senate speaker Pietro Grasso said the president appeared determined to get agreement on a government.

BBC: Italy President Napolitano begins coalition talks

Pier Luigi Bersani's party was given a boost on Thursday when anti-mafia prosecutor Pietro Grasso said he would run for office under the Democratic Party banner.

BBC: Vatican paper backs Mario Monti's Italy leadership bid

The Democratic Party received a boost earlier on Friday when anti-mafia prosecutor Pietro Grasso appeared alongside party leader Pier Luigi Bersani, saying he wanted to be "at the service of a country that has reached the maximum of confusion".

BBC: Mario Monti to lead Italy centrist coalition