Giorgia Meloni looks set to become Italy's first woman prime minister at the head of its most right-wing government since World War Two after leading a conservative alliance to triumph at Sunday's election.
Following is some of the initial international reaction taken from social media.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally party, on Twitter:
"The Italian people has decided to take its destiny in hand by electing a patriotic and sovereignist government.
Congratulations to Giorgia Meloni and (League leader) Matteo Salvini for having resisted the threats of an anti-democratic and arrogant European Union by winning this great victory."
Balazs Orban, political director to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on Twitter:
"Congratulations to Giorgia Meloni, Matteo Salvini and (Forza Italia leader) Silvio Berlusconi on the elections today! In these difficult times, we need more than ever friends who share a common vision and approach to Europe's challenges."
Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox (Spain) on Twitter:
"Giorgia Meloni has shown the way for a proud, free Europe of sovereign nations to be able to cooperate for the security and prosperity of all."
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Facebook:
"Great victory! Congratulations!"
(Compiled by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Keith Weir)
