INSTANT VIEW: Italian projections show Berlusconi ahead

ROME (Reuters) - Following are comments from political scientists and economists on first projections in the Italian parliamentary election which pointed to a more clear-cut victory for Silvio Berlusconi than earlier exit polls.

GIAN ENRICO RUSCONI, POLITICS PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF TURIN

"Maintaining all the caution that is warranted at this stage of the vote count, it seems to me that the gap is on the large side and will be difficult to overhaul.

"But it's still going to be hard for Berlusconi to make his coalition work. And I don't think Veltroni is going to be that upset at his showing. Personally, it's a success for him.

"I think Berlusconi's real problem is going to be holding together his coalition, and especially dealing with the Northern League. They are going to raise their price for cooperation. Berlusconi is not going to have an easy time.

"I don't think a Berlusconi government will be capable of pushing through the reforms that Italy needs. The Northern League is a protectionist party. The National Alliance is a protectionist party."

FRANCO PAVONCELLO, POLITICS PROFESSOR AT JOHN CABOT

UNIVERSITY IN ROME

"It's a bit too soon to say.