Its leader, Pier Ferdinando Casini, says he will not help make either main candidate prime minister.

ECONOMIST: Italy's election

UDC's leader, Pier Ferdinando Casini, who had dreamt of holding the balance, will dream on.

ECONOMIST: Italy's election

"In life you win and you lose, " said Pier Ferdinando Casini, whose centrist movement allied with Mr. Monti for the elections.

WSJ: Italy Vote Shows No Clear Winner, as Berlusconi Rises

Pier Ferdinando Casini, the leader of the third-biggest party in Mr Berlusconi's government of 2001-06, gave his speech a rapturous welcome.

ECONOMIST: Watch out Romano Prodi, there's a Ferrari on your wheel

But the UDC's leader, Pier Ferdinando Casini, had pledged never again to sit in a cabinet presided over by Mr Berlusconi.

ECONOMIST: The Italian crisis

UDC's best hope, the speaker of the Senate, Pier Ferdinando Casini.

ECONOMIST: Italy takes a wobbly step towards two-party politics

Elsewhere in Serie A, Bari drew 0-0 with Bologna despite substitute Ferdinando Sforzini being sent off for the home side as the game drew to a close.

CNN: Inter thrash rivals AC in Milan derby

That would not be easy if he were linked to old school, professional politicians such as Gianfranco Fini of the National Alliance or Pier Ferdinando Casini, a Christian Democrat.

ECONOMIST: Silvio Berlusconi's makes big plans for a new party

Both of Mr Berlusconi's senior lieutenants, Gianfranco Fini of the National Alliance and Pier Ferdinando Casini of the Union of Christian Democrats, have said as much in recent weeks.

ECONOMIST: The centre-left holds on for now; can Silvio Berlusconi?

Everyone involved in this picture seems overqualified, from the writers (Robert Towne, with Beatty) to the cinematographer (Conrad Hall) to the production designer (the late Ferdinando Scarfiotti) to the large, pointlessly high-powered supporting cast (headed by Katharine Hepburn).

NEWYORKER: Love Affair