ROME (AP) — Italy's prime minister says he's rooting for Hillary Clinton to be elected president of the United States.

Matteo Renzi said Monday that as a citizen and leader of Italy's Democratic party, "in all respect for the great American democracy, I'm rooting for Hillary Clinton."

However, he said that speaking as premier, his government, long a staunch U.S. ally, will work with whoever wins.

Renzi had been asked by a reporter if he could work with Donald Trump, should the business magnate who's campaigning for the Republican nomination, become president.

Renzi also professed admiration for Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, as well as the current U.S. president, Barack Obama.

Clinton had a weekend win in the Nevada caucuses over her rival for the Democratic nomination, Bernie Sanders.