Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition has lost control of Milan and Naples, early projections suggest after local polls. Italians were voting in run-off polls for local elections seen as a major test for the embattled prime minister.
Milan, Italy's financial capital, is Mr Berlusconi's home city and power base.
If confirmed, it would be the first time in two decades Mr Berlusconi has lost control of the city. His coalition fared badly in the first round.
Some six million voters were eligible to cast their ballots in 90 towns and six provinces, but the results in Milan and Naples are seen as most important.
Projections published by Italian media indicated leftist candidate Giuliano Pisapia with a lead of about 53.5% in Milan over pro-Berlusconi incumbent Mayor Letizia Moratti, with 46.5%.
In Naples, Luigi de Magistris of the Italy of Values party was projected to have about 60% of the vote, well ahead of centre-right candidate Mario Lettieri, who had been seen as the favourite.
Analysts say a loss in Milan would threaten the coalition of Mr Berlusconi's People of Freedom party (PDL) with the Northern League, which has become increasingly disenchanted with Mr Berlusconi.
The prime minister said previously that to lose in Milan was "unthinkable" and called the city election a referendum on his leadership.
Campaigning became increasingly vicious before the vote, with Mr Berlusconi warning that Milan would be turned into "Gypsytown" if Ms Moratti was defeated.
Earlier in May, five TV stations - including several owned by Mr Berlusconi's Mediaset - were fined by Italian regulators for giving Mr Berlusconi more coverage than his opponents.
The elections are the first big test he has faced since the start of several corruption trials and scandals - including allegations of having had sex with an underage prostitute.
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