Salvini set off the row after condemning the choice to decorate the Piazza Duomo tree with pink ornaments and tinsel, commenting:

“We end up with the Christmas tree with pink baubles, because of the sponsor. De gustibus…”.

The 27-metre tall tree from Trento-Adige is sponsored by cosmetics company Veralab, and displays the message “We Wish You To Be Yourself”, in line with the brand’s ethos of self-acceptance and body positivity.

The founder of the company Cristina Fogazzi, better known as Estetista Clinica clapped back to Salvini’s criticism via Instagram:

“We are still victims of patriarchy, because pink is a female colour and it's not good,” the entrepreneur said.

Salvini then responded to Fogazzi, poasting a picture of an article on La Repubblica on Twitter, the title of which referred to his alleged sexism.

"Like thousands of other Milanese, women and men, young and old, I prefer red and classic colours for Christmas decorations. What does sexism have to do with it?" he tweeted alongside a cry-laughing emoji.

A Twitter commenter was quick to point out the fact that Salvini’s “boss”, Premier Giorgia Meloni, had shared a picture of herself last week decorating the Christmas tree in her home with pink baubles.

Milan’s central tree is not the only one in a major Italian city to have attracted controversy, with Rome’s meagre 2017 tree dubbed ‘Spelacchio’ having generated a slew of headlines, even being likened to a giant toilet brush.

And this year Rome’s Christmas enormous Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia has come under fire, with many residents criticising the large, “ugly” solar panels that power its lights. However many have also praised the Italian capital for this eco-friendly choice.