Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on Thursday played down concerns about his nation being ungovernable following this week's inconclusive elections.
"I am sure that in the next few weeks an Italian government will be formed," Napolitano said following a meeting in Berlin with German President Joachim Gauck.
Until then, the government of Prime Minister Mario Monti will remain in office, the Italian head of state said.
"There is no Italy which has lost its way," said Napolitano. "Therefore there is no risk of contagion. We are not sick," he said in an attempt to allay fears in the financial markets.