Francesca Pascale, 27, appeared regularly at the former prime minister's side at the start of his electoral campaign. She was photographed watching a football match with the 76-year-old, attended his family Christmas lunch, and became friendly with his daughter, Marina. However her absence since December has prompted media speculation that she has been cast aside after surveys carried out by Mr Berlusconi revealed Italians did not approve of his decision to date a woman nearly five decades younger than him. Mr Berlusconi himself admitted on TV their age difference was “a little excessive”. Leading daily newspaper ... (full story)