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

CNN: Italy tumbles into 'chaotic uncertainty'

"If Berlusconi were to win, then he would try to grab the premiership, " James Walston, a political science professor at the American University in Rome, told Reuters.

BBC: Silvio Berlusconi 'won't stand for PM'

That will not give him power, but as Professor James Walston from the American University in Rome says, "that will give him a very strong hand in deciding what things to do".

BBC: Italy: Last days of Mario Monti

Another political affairs analyst, James Walston, said the odds were against Bersani's succeeding, but predicted if the center-left leader does manage to cinch the confidence votes, the government stands a chance of lasting till spring 2014.

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

The 61-year-old Bersani 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: STORY HIGHLIGHTS