Silvio Berlusconi is expected to get his old seat back for the fourth time . The eurozone 's third largest economy is struggling , with unemployment surpassing 30 % . Pier Luigi Bersani of the center - left Democratic Party is expected to narrowly win . Italy 's political system encourages the forming of alliances .
Silvio Berlusconi is campaigning to win his old job back for the fourth time . The eurozone 's third largest economy is hurting , with unemployment surpassing 11 % . Pier Luigi Bersani of the center-left Democratic Party is expected to narrowly win . Italy 's political system encourages the forming of alliances .