Italy's President Sergio Mattarella ordered the dissolution of both chambers of parliament after the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
He signed a corresponding decree, Mattarella said on Thursday evening in Rome.
This makes it clear: Italy will elect a new parliament earlier than planned.
Actually, the elections would not have been due until spring 2023.
"Dissolving the House of Parliament is always the last choice," Mattarella said.
The political situation led to this decision.
In the middle of the holiday season, people in Italy will probably face restless election campaign weeks.
According to Italian agencies, the election date has been set for September 25 at a meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Draghi's government will remain in office until there is a new prime minister.
When that will be is unclear.
The coalition negotiations could drag on depending on the outcome of the election.
According to experts, a new government may not be in power until early November.
According to the latest polls, the right-wing extremist Fratelli d'Italia under party leader Giorgia Meloni are currently in the lead.
Together with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's right-wing Lega, a majority in parliament might be possible.
Such a government would probably be problematic for migration policy and relations with the EU, among other things.