Love him or hate him, Silvio Berlusconi is a divisive but still dominant figure on the Italian political stage. But this evening he faces a vote to expel him from parliament - potentially putting the brakes on a twenty-year political career and threatening to trigger fresh political tensions.

It's seen as a done deal that the Italian Senate will decide to strip him of his seat.

A move Berlusconi denounces as a plot by his enemies.

Italian law says Berlusconi's conviction for tax fraud bars him from parliament.

Prime minister Enrico Letta's centre-left Democratic Party and the Five-Star Movement of former comedian Beppe Grillo say they'll vote against him.

"I've been hearing the end of Berlusconi for 20 years so I don't know because the man has seven lives like the cats. I think he wants to go to elections again and if he is in the opposition and he can fight against Europe, against the German authority on Europe and Italy, he will have a chance," said political commentator Elisabetta Fiorito.

Berlusconi's lawyers say it's 'unrealistic' the 77-year-old will face arrest over other charges, including paying for sex with a minor.

For tax fraud, he's likely to spend a year doing community service.

Due to his age, prison is unlikely - if technically still possible.