Rome - Rome's mayor, Mr Francesco Rutelli, is the centre-left's strongest hope for victory against opposition leader Mr Silvio Berlusconi in Italy's next general elections, according to a poll released yesterday.
The poll, taken for the L'Espresso news weekly by the CIRM research institute, showed Mr Rutelli running neck and neck with Mr Berlusconi for the job of prime minister.
Mr Rutelli and media-magnate Mr Berlusconi, one of Italy's wealthiest men, each received 34 per cent of potential votes when people were asked which of the two they would support.