A former Communist, Giorgio Napolitano, has reportedly been elected president of Italy according to an unofficial count of votes.
Counting of the votes is ongoing and the final result will be confirmed later.
Italy's incoming prime minister, Romano Prodi also said today he expected his new government to be sworn in next Wednesday. Under the constitution, the president names the prime minister.
"I think Napolitano will be sworn in on Monday, then there will be the consultations and the mandate. On Wednesday, the swearing-in (of the government)," Mr Prodi told reporters.