Italian contenders face TV debate

Silvio Berlusconi (left) and Romano Prodi will go head-to-head

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is set to go face-to-face with challenger Romano Prodi in a final pre-election TV debate.

The latest opinion polls put Mr Berlusconi's centre-right coalition up to five points behind his centre-left rival before surveys were suspended.

Some correspondents say Mr Prodi had the edge in the last TV debate but neither landed a knock-out punch.

Mr Berlusconi has been prime minister since 2001.

Tax question

The BBC's Christian Fraser in Rome says Mr Berlusconi spent the weekend rehearsing for Monday's debate at his holiday home on the island of Sardinia.

He was criticised by his centre-right colleagues for a surprisingly lacklustre performance in the first TV debate two weeks ago.

Our correspondent says the prime minister will hope to capitalise on what has been a difficult few days for Mr Prodi, as confusion over the opposition's tax plans played into the hands of the centre-right coalition.

Mr Berlusconi has been warning voters throughout that his challenger is preparing to raise taxes across the board.

Italy's business leaders, as well as the leading newspapers, are backing Mr Prodi.

In the face of that kind of support, our correspondent says, Mr Berlusconi will need a highly polished performance.

Elections are due to be held on 9-10 April.