WASHINGTON -- Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and wife Agnese were guests at the White House Tuesday, warmly greeted by U.S. President Obama and the First Lady during an end of term dinner that Renzi hopes will persuade Italians to vote for his controversial constitutional reform to give the executive more power over the legislature.

 With the Italian and American flags flying in the background, Renzi and his wife met the president of the United States Tuesday afternoon on the South Lawn of the White House. The topics to be discussed over the meeting were reported to have included “reform -- in Italy and in Europe in general, the growth in immigration, the fight against terrorism, the conflict in the Ukraine, and how Italy and the U.S can tackle Russia’s aggressive policies,” according to the White House spokesperson, Josh Earnest.

 The first to speak at the initial greeting on the lawn was Obama, stating, “Today is a pleasant day, as it sets forth the last state meal of my presidency, and we are saving the best until last with the great honour of welcoming Prime Minister Renzi and lady Agnese Landini … We love the food, the wine, Sophia Loren -- we are in love with Italy!”

 The meeting lasted for a little over an hour, as the press conference commenced at 5pm before the iconic state dinner at 7pm, cheffed by the famous Italian-American Mario Batali. The menu was traditionally Italian, encompassing local wines and cheeses. To follow, a performance from Grammy award winner Gwen Stefani.

 The embattled Italian prime minister, facing dwindling opinion polls at home and the prospect of pressure to resign if he loses the November referendum, landed in the U.S capital Monday, accompanied by a delegation consisting of the Oscar award winners Roberto Benigni and Paolo Sorrentino, the renowned stylist Giorgio Armani and the Paralympic champion Bebe Vio.

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