Italian results

Rome: Walter Veltroni defeats Antonio Tajani Naples: Rosa Russo Jervolino defeats Antonio Marcusciello Turin: Sergio Chiamparino defeats Roberto Rossi

Walter Veltroni, who was elected mayor of Rome, said the results showed that the Olive Tree alliance has "strong symbolic value".

Mr Veltroni, of the formerly communist Left-wing Democrats, defeated Antonio Tajani, a former spokesman for Mr Berlusconi.

Mr Veltroni, 45, has announced that he will quit his position as number two in the party.

First woman

Former Interior Minister Rosa Russo Jervolino became the first woman mayor of Naples by beating Antonio Marcusciello, a former advertising manager in Mr Berlusconi's media empire.

The results are not good news for Mr Berlusconi

The former Christian Democrat encouraged voters to come out to celebrate her victory in the city's main square.

The left also took the northern industrial city of Turin, where Sergio Chiamparino edged out Roberto Rossi after a photo finish in the first round two weeks ago.

The Olive Tree alliance has held all three cities since the direct election of mayors was instituted in 1993.

Italy's financial centre, Milan, went to a right-wing candidate in the first round of voting.

Just over 70% of the 6 million eligible voters turned out on Sunday, down from nearly 80% in the first round.

A total of 77 cities and provinces held a second round of voting on Sunday.