Finding someone who has a background in retail as well as investment banking, has a good rapport with regulators, and can restore credibility and confidence in Citi's image isn't a small task.

FORBES: Citi Short List

Mr Berlusconi already has a credibility problem at home over his private life, having refused to make good his pledge to explain to parliament his relationship with an 18-year-old aspiring model.

ECONOMIST: Italy and the G8 summit: A cavalier preparing to host the world | The