Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left hospital after four nights recovering from Sunday's attack which broke his nose and two teeth.

Mr Berlusconi had been in pain, with trouble eating, but had a "more serene" night last night, a spokesman said.

He is expected to recuperate at his villa just outside Milan for two weeks, and has cancelled engagements.

The attacker used a replica model of Milan cathedral to hit the prime minister as he was signing autographs.

With bandages on his nose and cheek, he waved at waiting media and onlookers as he was driven from the hospital in a motorcade.

A banner reading "Welcome Home" was seen at the entrance to his villa, Ansa news agency reported.

His spokesman Paolo Bonaiuti told Italian television that Mr Berlusconi was "calm" when he awoke.

Mr Berlusconi is expected to recuperate at his villa

He had been expected to be released on Wednesday, but doctors kept him in hospital for a further night after "persistent pain".

Reports said he had suffered severe headaches after the injuries caused an old neck injury to flare up.

On Wednesday, a judge remanded his alleged attacker Massimo Tartaglia, 42, in custody.

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