Italians have begun voting in general elections seen as crucial for the country's effort to tackle its economic problems, as well as for the eurozone.

Estimates published before a ban on polls two weeks ago gave a lead to Pier Luigi Bersani's centre-left alliance, BBC News reported.

It was thought to be a few points ahead of the centre-right bloc led by ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

On Saturday, Feb 23, Mr Berlusconi gave a TV interview - in what his opponents said was a breach of the campaigning ban.

However, Mr Berlusconi's office later said the interview had been granted only with the explicit agreement that it would be broadcast after polls close on Monday.

A centrist coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti is also running in the election, held on Sunday and Monday.

And opinion polls suggested there would be a strong turnout for popular comedian Beppe Grillo's anti-establishment movement.