Not so radical: Meloni marks one year in power

Luigi Scazzieri, a senior research fellow at London's Centre for European Reform, says her success so far lies in a "balancing act".

"She's been able to pull off being both a moderate, being seen as a partner, and also being seen as a radical," he told AFP - although he questioned how long this would last.

Scazzieri said if Meloni cannot show her approach to the EU is serving Italy's interests, she may feel obliged to change course.

"I worry slightly going ahead that Meloni's more constructive tone will be eroded because she doesn't actually have that much to show for it," he said.