ROME, Aug 19 (AFP) - The Italian media on Thursday swooped on a remark by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as evidence that a white bandana he has taken to wearing around his head was to cover a new hair implant.
What they saw as conclusive evidence was his response to a remark by a little boy who spoke to him on the street in Porto Rotondo, near the prime minister's summer residence on the island of Sardinia, according to ANSA news agency.
"You look better with the bandana", said the youngster.
"A little more hair is even better," replied the balding head of government. The remark was interpreted by Italy's leading newspapers in their Friday editions as an admission that an implant had occurred.
ANSA also reported that those present had noted that small, regular scars were visible at the top of the prime ministerial head.
Berlusconi made headlines in the Italian press this week by appearing wearing his white bandana while greeting his holiday guest, British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Speculation was rife that Berlusconi had had a hair transplant.
At the beginning of the year the billionaire media mogul turned conservative politician, who will soon be 68, underwent facial plastic surgery, but insisted it was only a slight readjustment to his eyelids.