Related: US downplays Italy's troop pullout plan

    ROME, March 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Italy will begin a gradual withdrawal of its troops from Iraq starting in September, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday.

    Speaking during the taping of a TV talk show, the premier said he had discussed the issue with British Premier Tony Blair.

    "I think public opinion in our countries is expecting it," said Berlusconi, stressing that the withdrawal was connected with Iraqi forces' ability to guarantee security.

    Speaking about domestic issues, the premier said he planned to again lead the centre-right coalition in national elections in 2006.

    On Tuesday, an Italian soldier died of wounds sustained during shooting practice at the southern Iraqi city Nassiriya where the Italian contingent is based, Italian media said.

    Paratrooper Salvatore Marracino, 28, was trying to get his jammed gun working again when it went off and hit him in the head.

    Marracino, from San Giovanni Rotondo in the Italian south, received emergency aid on the shooting ground where his condition immediately appeared critical.

    He was helicoptered to a nearby field hospital in Nassiriya forfurther treatment and was then rushed to hospital in Kuwait City, where he died despite urgent surgery, according to Italian military sources.

    Berlusconi is a staunch ally of the US President George W. Bushand Italy has some 3,200 troops serving in Iraq, mostly based at Nassiriya.

    It is the fourth-largest contingent after the American, Britishand South Korean. Enditem