Rome ? The quarrelsome allies of Prime Minister Romano Prodi rallied to his side late Wednesday, voting to restore him to office but laying bare the challenges that will continue to undermine the new government.

The ballot in the Italian Senate, coming at the end of a day of debate and cajoling, ended – for now – a government crisis triggered when Prodi abruptly resigned last week.

President Giorgio Napolitano had rejected Prodi’s resignation and instructed him to reassemble a government that had to be approved by both houses of the parliament this week.

Prodi emerged victorious from the Senate confidence vote by a margin of five votes. He faces an easier test on Friday in the lower house, where he enjoys a wider majority.