Georgia Meloni: What can Italy expect from its likely new far-right prime minister? | AFP

From teenage activist who praised Mussolini to likely becoming Italy's first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni has had quite a journey, leading her far-right party to power.

Often intense and combative as she rails against the European Union, mass immigration and "LGBT lobbies", the 45-year-old has swept up disaffected voters and built a powerful personal brand.

Meloni is expected to lead the most right-wing government in Italy since World War II.