'Italian writer and playwright Stefano Benni has died at age 78, the Feltrinelli publishing house said on Tuesday.

The Bolognese author wrote a series of charming novels that a generation of readers grew up with, selling over 2.5 million books.

His works have been translated into 20 languages.

His much-loved books include his debut novel Bar Sport, and best-sellers such as La Compagnia dei Celestini, Margher Dolcevita, Elianto, La grammatica di Dio, Terra!