Prodi says Mattarella will 'unite Italy'

(see related) (ANSA) - Rome, January 31 - Two-time premier Romano Prodi said Saturday that new President Sergio Mattarella will be able to unite Italy. "I know, like and esteem Mattarella," Prodi said. "I'm certain that he'll know how to unite the country and represent it at all the highest institutions. His institutional experience and skill, combined with his rigorous honesty and sense of ethics, will win him appreciation in Italy and around the world". Prodi's bid to be president in 2013 was scuppered by revolts within the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).