Italy is expected to see an economic turnaround next year thanks to the government work, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said Thursday.

Speaking at the routine end-of-the-year press conference, Prodi said the next step for his government was to adopt structural reforms, and Italy needed "courage, unity and generosity" in this aspect.

Referring to economic issues, Prodi said the goals of his government included protecting the purchasing power of Italians, reduce and rationalize government spending.

Replying to question about his political ambition in 2011, Prodi said "I don't make long-term programs but I think five years of hard work will be enough."

As for the situation in the Middle East, Prodi said "I do not believe war can represent any kind of solution," adding "Italy has and will always have a role in promoting dialogue" in the Middle East.

The foreign minister (Massimo D'Alema) and I constantly monitor the situation in the Middle East and engage in dialogue not only with Israel and Lebanon, but also Syria and Iran," he added.