The core of Italy's capital city filled with anti-government marchers Saturday who called on the country to unite against Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Police estimated that 120,000 snaked through Rome's narrow, winding streets to attend the rally in a downtown square.

The protesters, from across the country, waved red-and-green flags, blew whistles and shouted slogans about the need to unite political forces to push Berlusconi out of office.

Some marchers carried signs calling the premier a liar, and urging Italians to "Wake Up" and change governments. Many wore Pinocchio noses, mocking Berlusconi for what they said were broken campaign promises.

The leader of the Olive Tree opposition coalition, Francesco Rutelli, told cheering supporters that the time had come to unite Italy's centre-left parties.

"Today, with renewed force, begins a new path forward for all of us," he said. "The right divides. The Olive coalition wants to unite Italy."

The Olive Tree coalition lost power last spring, and has been shaken by internal dissent and complaints about weak leadership. Saturday's rally was seen by many as an attempt to bridge divisions and boost the group's image.

Berlusconi, himself, dismissed the march as unimpressive and unconvincing.

"The Italians know how to distinguish between the good and bad, between love and hate," the premier said. "And the majority are for love."