Some representatives are attempting to convince president Mattarella to run for his second term, while others push for PM Draghi to take up the largely ceremonial post.
As squabbling Italian political leaders on Saturday struggled to clinch a deal to elect Italy's next president, momentum appeared to be building for President Sergio Mattarella to reconsider his refusal to serve a second term as head of state, a role which is meant to unify the nation.