While the rest of the world has its eyes on the outcome of Catalonia's tussle for independence from Spain, two of Italy's most prosperous regions voted overwhelmingly in favor of greater autonomy from Rome in non-binding referendums on Sunday.

More than 95% of voters who cast ballots in Veneto and Lombardy -- two northern regions which account for around 30% of Italy's GDP between them -- opted to vote "yes" to more autonomy, according to officials in both regions.