As Spain tries to keep Catalonia, two rich Italian regions want more autonomy

Venice is the capital of Veneto in Italy. Photo / AP

Two wealthy regions of northern Italy have voted overwhelmingly for greater autonomy in referendums that could fan regional tensions in Europe at a time when Spain is striving to prevent Catalonia from breaking away.

Millions of people in Lombardy and Veneto, both run by the once openly secessionist Lega Nord party, voted more than 90 per cent for "yes", according to preliminary results.

The party called the referendums to secure a mandate to negotiate a better financial arrangement with Rome, an ambition that mirrors Catalonia's goal to claw back taxes from Madrid.

The preliminary turnout in Lombardy was above 40 per cent, Lombardy President Roberto Maroni told journalists when announcing preliminary results.

In Veneto, it reached 57 per cent.

"We can now write a new page: The regions that ask for more power will get it," Maroni told journalists in Milan.

"I am talking for example about the power to discuss about tax proceeds that normally go to Rome ... this is the first step in a path towards big reforms," he added.

Unlike Catalonia's October 1 independence referendum, which Spain has declared unlawful, the Italian votes were held in line with the constitution.

But they are not binding on Rome.

Lombardy, home to financial hub Milan, accounts for about 20 per cent of Italy's economy, which is in turn the euro zone's third largest.

Veneto, which includes the tourist magnet Venice, accounts for 10 per cent.

In both regions, many people complain their taxes are wasted by the central Government, accusing Rome of delivering low-quality public services and diverting money to the poor south.

Milan, a centre of the fashion industry, is the capital of the Lombardy region in Italy. Photo / AP

- AAP