Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition has lost control of Milan and Naples in local elections.

The run-off polls are seen as a key test of Mr Berlusconi's popularity, as he faces multiple corruption trials and sex scandals.

Milan, Mr Berlusconi's power base, has been run by conservatives for 18 years.
The city, Italy's financial capital, is Mr Berlusconi's birthplace and where he got his start in business and politics.

Analysts say the loss in Milan could threaten the coalition of Mr Berlusconi's People of Freedom party (PDL) with the Northern League, which has become increasingly disenchanted with the prime minister.

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.