Mr Berlusconi missed a symbolic Nato photo and a ceremony for fallen soldiers because he was too busy talking on his mobile phone.

He later told journalists he was tempted to tell the Italian press to “go to hell” after they ridiculed him. He promised to stop holding press conferences and the next day he held a press briefing but did not take any questions.

At a call rate of £3.50 a minute, the only question is: “Hello handsome?”