Berlusconi receives apology for "cowardly" assault Eds: epa photos available

A man accused of striking Silvio Berlusconi in the face, putting him in hospital, has apologized to the Italian prime minister, a news report said, DPA reported.

Massimo Tartaglia wrote a letter to the 73-year-old premier expressing "deeply felt" regret for a "cowardly and rash" act, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Monday night.

Tartaglia, 42, is accused of striking Berlusconi Sunday with a miniature replica of the Milan Cathedral at a political rally in the northern Italian city.

Berlusconi suffered a broken nose, two broken teeth, and cuts to his lips and has been in a Milan hospital ever since.

Tartaglia is in police custody. His father has said he has been psychologically unstable for years.