Via the BBC:  Italy: Umberto Bossi urges Silvio Berlusconi to quit

Northern League leader Umberto Bossi is a volatile ally who brought down Mr Berlusconi’s first government in 1994.

Mr Berlusconi’s majority has crumbled ahead of the vote, with several MPs defecting or saying they will rebel.

Until now he has insisted he has enough support to be able to continue to govern and has denied he will resign.

A pending vote on a budget measure will test the question of whether Berlusconi has a majority of support in the chamber.