The outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti says he is ready to govern his country again if he is put forward by a coalition which will carry out reform.

Monti will not be on the ballot in February's vote, but can be asked to join the Government - even as Prime Minister - by the winning parties.

At an end-of-year press conference, he outlined a plan to reform Italy and Europe - urging voters not to turn the clock back on austerity measures.

Mr Monti said he was proud of how Italy had overcome its debt crisis without the need for any outside financial assistance.