Italians of all stripes appeared enthralled by the victory of Barack Obama, and highlighted in their reactions his youth and “newness”. There was much emphasis on the idea that he represents change, and many newspapers included the word in banner headlines on their web sites.

The US and Italy have a complicated relationship. Silvio Berlusconi, the prime minister, is an ardent atlanticist and friend of outgoing president George W Bush. But Mr Bush is deeply unpopular in Italy, and not just among the young. The possibility of a fresh start in bilateral relations was another theme of the official reaction.