Italy ranked ninth most desirable place to work

Twenty-five percent of the 203,756 people, from 189 countries, polled said they would like to work in Italy, which was ranked just behind Australia and Spain but ahead of Sweden.

Rome also fared well as the world's 10th most appealing city to work, one place behind Singapore but ahead of Dubai, where foreigners enjoy tax-free salaries.

Meanwhile, between 50 and 60 percent of Italians polled were either already working abroad or would be willing to relocate, with Germany being their most desired destination.

The US topped the poll as the most desirable country in the world to work, followed by the UK, while London, New York and Paris were the top three most appealing cities.