Italy begs Mario Draghi to stay as he prepares to face parliament

President Sergio Mattarella rejects the prime minister's resignation while pro-Draghi sentiment grows

The fate of the Italian government hangs in the balance amid growing pressure on Mario Draghi to remain prime minister as he prepares for a crucial speech in parliament on Wednesday.

The former European Central Bank chief's resignation last week was rejected by President Sergio Mattarella, who instead asked him to address parliament in an attempt to avert what would be Italy's third government collapse in three years.