Early election in Italy?

Article from over the weekend:

Italian President Opens Path to Early Vote on Monti’s Successor

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, … opened a path to holding elections in March, about one month before the government’s term expires.
Napolitano, who had asked the government to stand until the end of its term, stepped back from that request and said he would evaluate parliament’s record when setting a date for the national vote, … Regional elections may be set for March 10, according to Napolitano, who issued the statement after meeting with Monti and the speakers of parliament.

Bloomberg (h/t Fabrizio Goria)