The no-confidence motion brought by the center-left opposition was defeated by 314 votes to 311, and vote counting in the chamber was briefly interrupted by a scuffle between deputies from rival camps.

The result was secured after a fevered campaign of back room deals, in which opposition accusations of vote-buying and corruption have been answered by fierce denials and counter-accusations of treachery.

It underlined Berlusconi's reputation as one of the great survivors of Italian politics, but left him unable to ensure the stability of his government at a time of major economic problems and a menacing Euro zone debt crisis.

Berlusconi said he would carry on and take steps to expand his government to include centrists and moderates, warning that talk of an early election would be damaging for Italy

Some of the most serious rioting Rome has seen in recent times broke out after the vote, with dozens injured and more than 40 arrested as protestors threw smoke bombs and firecrackers and fought baton-wielding police in running street battles across the historic city center.

Stores along the main shopping street near the prime minister's office were forced to close as protesters, many wearing ski masks, overturned sidewalk restaurant tables, flower vases and parked motorcycles. Smoke rose from the Pincio Hill above the famed Spanish Steps.