The New York Times earlier today questioned Conte's curriculum vitae, which says that he stayed from 2008 to 2012, every summer and "for periods of not less than a month, at New York University, to perfect and update his studies."
The newspaper quoted an NYU spokeswoman as saying Conte's name did not show up in records as either a student or faculty member, adding it was possible he attended one or two-day programmes for which the school does not keep records.
Five Star said in a statement that Conte in his CV "clearly wrote that he perfected and updated his studies at New York University. He never cited lessons or masters degrees attended at that university."
Di Maio said yesterday he had proposed Conte, a 53-year-old law professor from Florence University to lead a coalition government with the League. President Sergio Mattarella is reviewing Conte's dossier, and may take a decision tomorrow, newswire ANSA reported.
Salvini has said that neither he nor Di Maio will be premier. Five Star officials said until shortly before Conte's selection that Di Maio had not given up on hopes of becoming premier himself, as leader of the biggest party in the alliance.
- Bloomberg
