Several options for Italy if confidence vote fails

An analysis of the present confused situation in Italy is linked here. The article opens stating  that what happened in Slovakia pales into insignificance, and that "The bigger political risk may lay with Italy today". it concludes as follows:

If Berlusconi fails to win support in the confidence vote, there is likely to be an attempt to avoid elections. This could be achieved by Berlusconi trying to put together a new coalition. Failing this a different prime minister could be selected if a new government could have a majority in the existing parliament. Some suggest former Justice Minister Alfano as a possible candidate.

Alternatively, a technocrat government could be cobbled together and would have a very specific mandate, such a 2012 budget issues. Here there has been some suggestion as former EC Commissioner Monti. Only if these three options fail will the new election be called.