Pro-EU liberals see narrow win in Slovenia as key Italian referendum enters final hours – Europe live

The result in Slovenia will relieve EU diplomats and means the incumbent will lead exploratory talks to form the next government

In an unexpected early morning football reference, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani also encouraged Italians to vote in the referendum, with a quote from the legendary Yugoslavian football player and later manager Vujadin Boškov “the match ends when the referee blows the whistle.”

“Voting is open today, too, until 3 pm,” he said, posting a picture of himself casting a ballot.