Rome, Dec 14 - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was bloodied and knocked to the ground by an attacker shortly after a political meeting in the Italian city of Milan on Sunday.

Berlusconi, who was hit in the face and bleeding profusely from the mouth, was rushed into a car and driven away after the attack to be examined at a hospital, reported eyewitnesses.

Media reports identified the alleged attacker as Massimo Tartaglia, a man in his early 40s. Tartaglia allegedly approached Berlusconi as the 73-year-old prime minister was leaving a rally of his People of Freedom (PdL) party. Berlusconi was apparently hit in

the face by a miniature replica of the Milan Cathedral.

Berlusconi was in Milan to rally support in advance of March elections. (dpa)