London, November 19 : The Italo-German summit in Trieste saw Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi playing a practical joke on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Media reports suggest that Berlusconi slipped away from the welcoming committee, and hid behind the lamppost.

When Angela stepped out of her official car to enter the regional council headquarters, Berlusconi jumped out at her with a cry of "Cucu".

Amused, the German leader opened her arms and replied “Silvio”, reports Times Online.

This is not the first time that Berlusconi has shown unpredictable behaviour, for he raised eyebrows by describing U. S. President-elect Barack Obama as "suntanned" during his recent visit to Moscow. (ANI)