ROME (AP) — The leaders of two small Italian political parties have thrown their support behind Premier Mario Monti for a second term.

Gianfranco Fini, who split with Premier Silvio Berlusconi in 2010 to head his own small party, said Sunday he would support the creation of a national civic list headed by Monti for spring elections.

Pier Ferdinando Casini, leader of a small centrist party, said he would support a Monti candidature as well.

After insisting for months that his term would end in 2013 as scheduled, Monti hinted last week he could stay on for a second term under the right circumstances. Monti was tapped last year to save Italy from its debt crisis.

Despite the growing support, Italy's two main political parties remain opposed to a second Monti term.