“[I offer] the most sincere congratulations on my behalf and on behalf of the Italian Government to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump,” Meloni wrote on X.

“Italy and the United States are “sister” Nations, connected by an unwavering alliance, common values and an historical friendship.

“It is a strategic connection, which I am certain we will strengthen even more.

“Good job, President.”

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday also sent a message wishing Donald Trump well after his victory.

The message confirmed Rome’s willingness to work in agreement with Washington bilaterally and at the multilateral level, and within the framework of relations between the United States and Europe.

“Our countries are united by inseparable bonds of friendship and cooperation, cemented by the sharing of democratic values and by common adherence to an international order based on rules,” Mattarella said.

“These bonds, which include the essential Euro-Atlantic dimension, are of vital importance, even more so in the current international situation marked by conflicts and hotspots of instability…

“On behalf of the Italian Republic, I wish you the best for your personal well-being and prosperity for our friends, the American people.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Donald Trump’s election “will give stability to the US, a great partner of ours”.

“We are already at work to strengthen the extremely solid bond with the US,” Tajani told Sky Tg24.

“Transatlantic relations are the government’s priority, together with relations with the EU.

“We will work with the Trump administration. I think it will be possible to discuss many issues, NATO is a priority,” Tajani added.

“I don’t see problems regarding Trump’s election, I rather think that he has a natural liking for Italy … I am convinced we will work well with the new administration.”

Meanwhile, centre-left Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein had a completely different perspective on Donald Trump’s US presidential victory.

Schlein claimed that those who are now celebrating would soon stop doing so.

“Trump’s election in the United States is bad news for Europe and bad news for Italy,” said the leader of Italy’s biggest opposition party.

“Not only because in recent days he has once again declared his hostility towards the European Union, but also for what will follow in terms of economic policies.

“Those who celebrate him today for partisan reasons will soon stop when the effects of a new protectionist policy hit businesses and workers in Europe and also here in our country.”

Italy’s other Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, said the US election result means that it will not be necessary to send more arms to Ukraine to fight the Russian forces of invasion.

“I am confident Trump will end the two wars, which are devastating,” League leader Salvini said.

“Everything else comes after that.

“If he succeeds in bringing order, serenity and tranquillity between Russia and Ukraine - he says he’ll do it in a few days, I would settle for a few months - and between Israel, Palestine and Iran, he will deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.

“If he succeeds in putting an end to the two conflicts, that alone will be worth the election.

“We have always helped Ukraine and we will always help it as long as it is aid to defend itself, never to attack,” he said when asked about a tenth Italian aid package.

“I am counting on Trump’s inauguration bringing peace and, therefore, there will be no need for the 11th, 12th or 13th package of arms to be sent.”

ANSA