Silvio Berlusconi is a workaholic with a mania for attention to small details - he has personally selected gifts for the first ladies

In Genoa, however, he has promised to engage in a dialogue with protesters and at the same time wield an iron fist in a velvet glove, in case of violence.

At the same time he will be called upon to give his opinions on such weighty matters as the future of the world economy, global warming, international terrorism, and the cancellation of African debt.

Thousands of protesters from many countries have given notice that they intend to use violent means in Genoa to manifest their disagreement with the economic policies of the major industrialised nations.

The summit venue is at the centre of a massive security operation

Mr Berlusconi, who has amassed one of Europe's biggest family fortunes during a successful business career, won the Italian general election barely a month ago.

Even the most experienced politician might find it difficult to host an international summit of such magnitude - where so much could easily go wrong.

Silvio Berlusconi is a workaholic with a mania for attention to small details. He has gone to great pains to get everything right for receiving his guests in Genoa, from advising residents near the port - where most world leaders will stay on board a luxury cruise liner - not to hang out their washing, to personally selecting gifts for the first ladies.

Armed officers have take up position around the city

The centre of Genoa has been declared a virtual "no-go" area for the duration of the summit, to the considerable inconvenience of residents.

Mr Berlusconi refused an alternative venue despite the logistical problems caused by holding the summit in a crowded city squeezed between the sea and mountains.

At Nato and European Union summits in June, Mr Berlusconi managed to reassure European allies and at the same time reach out to a fellow newcomer on the international stage, President Bush.

The Italian premier would like a close relationship with Mr Bush, a fellow conservative whom he sees as a natural ally.

Berlusconi has promised a dialogue with protesters

He was quick to invite Mr Bush to Rome when the two met for the first time at the Nato summit.

After Genoa, President Bush will visit Rome and also travel to nearby Castelgandolfo to meet the Pope.

Silvio Berlusconi has been effusive in his praise of the American president, telling reporters he found Bush "likeable and down-to-earth".

Italy and the United States have long enjoyed a warm relationship; the proof lies in the large number of US and Nato bases on Italian soil. Mr Berlusconi has said he intends to nurture this relationship and make Italy "America's biggest ally and friend in Europe".

There are some lingering trade differences between Washington and Rome. Italy, which imports almost all its oil and natural gas, has not shied from doing business with Iran and Libya, both targets of U.S. sanctions.