Giuseppe Conte has an established academic law career, about 900 twitter followers and a name virtually unknown in the Italian political world.
Now, he's on the verge of becoming this country's leader.
The two populist parties that emerged from Italy's Mach election with the greatest momentum have partnered to form the next government, and today they selected Conte as their preferred Prime Minister.
They are placing a political novice at the forefront as Italy prepares to toughen its stance on migration and push back against the European Union.
But the decision, like the agreement between the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far right League, faces several steps before it can become final.
