Italy\'s caretaker Prime Minister Mario Monti told an impromptu news conference Friday that he will contest February elections at the head of a centrist coalition expected to counter a comeback by conservative former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. \"I agree to assume the role of head of the coalition, and I will commit myself to guaranteeing the success of this operation,\" Monti said after meeting for four hours with representatives of centrist groups and civic organisations.