A charity football match in Italy has become the talk of the political world.

Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi shared a photo on Instagram of himself embracing opposition leader Elly Schlein during the game.

The image, showing the two centrist-left leaders in a rare moment of unity, has set tongues wagging in Italian political circles.

Renzi described the event as 'an interesting occasion' where various political factions played together.

The match, featuring parliamentarians and singers, ended with Renzi and Schlein's team victorious.

While some speculate about a potential political alliance, Renzi emphasized it was simply 'an evening in the name of solidarity.

' The unexpected display of camaraderie has sparked discussions about the future of Italy's center-left coalition.