The coffin of Silvio Berlusconi – who died yesterday at the age of 86 – has been transferred to Villa San Martino , the historic residence in Arcore of the former premier and leader of Forza Italia. Contrary to what was leaked yesterday, no funeral home will be set up. In the residence, where the children have arrived, only a small circle of relatives, collaborators and political exponents will be received. Outside the gates, however, a crowd of supporters gathered, with banners, placards and Forza Italia flags.
The last public farewell is instead scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, with the state funeral, which will be celebrated in the Milan Cathedral (outside of which maxi-screens will also be positioned) in the presence of many personalities, starting with the president of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
The news of the death of the four-time prime minister quickly spread around the world and countless messages of condolences reached his family from Italy and abroad.
"He was a fighter who taught Italy not to give up," said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Berlusconi's disappearance now opens the political succession chapter. "Without him - underlined the Northern League leader Matteo Salvini - it will be more difficult, because he made everyone agree". In fact, it remains to be understood what the future of Forza Italia, the Cavaliere's "creature" will be, and what scenarios will open up within the centre-right, which loses the man recognized by all as collector and glue of the alliance, as well as point of reference of the moderate center.