A British bomb from World War II caused chaos in the southern city of Salerno on Tuesday, forcing thousands to leave their homes.
Around 5,000 inhabitants have so far been evacuated from the residential quarter around Via Rafastia, where builders uncovered the unexploded device late on Monday.
Experts called in to deal with the 500-pound bomb, which has lain undisturbed for the last 60 years, say it could explode at any moment.
Bomb disposal expert Fabio Fazino said they expected to defuse the device by Sunday afternoon.
''It is an British bomb with a fuse, meaning it is impossible to tell exactly what state it is in so far,'' he said.
''First we will empty it of explosives on the site, then we will remove the fuse. The fact it is four metres below street level provides protection, as it must not be disturbed by any kind of movement''.
Residents were roused by loudspeakers late last night, as police moved through the neighbourhood organizing the evacuation.
All those living within 250 metres of the bomb have been told to leave their homes. Around 65% of residents have already left, with evacuation procedures continuing on Tuesday afternoon.
Salerno Prefect Claudio Meoli, who is helping coordinate forces dealing with the emergency, said the police would finish the evacuation in the next few hours.
All homes in the area have had their water, electricity and gas switched off, to make sure no one ignores the evacuation orders.
Most residents have gone to stay with friends or family but emergency shelters have been set up at a nearby sports pitch and in a local school.
Mariapia Bracciante, 60, one of those staying in the school with her 33-year-old daughter, said: ''We have nowhere else to go, so we'll be here until Sunday. I still haven't got over the shock''.
Salerno Mayor Vincenzo De Luca praised the work of the emergency services and the cooperation of residents.
''Everyone has been very calm and shown great responsibility,'' he said. ''We are extremely satisfied as the evacuation plan worked perfectly.
''People obviously preferred to go to relatives or friends where possible, so we haven't even had large numbers of people staying in the emergency accommodation provided.
He asked those affected to remain as patient as possible under the circumstances.
''This is a problem that just happened; it is not anyone's fault. We have a duty to deal with it as best we can, in a way that protects everyone,'' he added.
