A process for the preparation of a functionalized and branched elastomeric copolymer comprising the following steps : (a) anionic copolymerization of at least one conjugated diene monomer and at least one vinyl arene, in the presence of at least one hydrocarbon solvent, of at least one lithium-based initiator, and of at least one polar modifier, obtaining a solution comprising an elastomeric copolymer; (b) reacting at least 10% by weight, preferably from 20% by weight to 100% by weight, of the polymeric chains present in the elastomeric copolymer obtained in step (a) with at least one compound having at least one functional group selected from: epoxides, ketones, esters, aldehydes, obtaining a solution comprising a functionali zed elastomeric copolymer; (c) adding a quantity of lithium-based initiator to the solution obtained in step (b), from 1 to 4 times, preferably from 1.5 to 3 times, the molar quantity of lithium-based initiator used in step (a) and a compound of bromine having general formula (I): R-Br (I) wherein R represents a linear or branched C 1 -C 30 , preferably C 2 -C 10 , alkyl group, a C 3 -C 30 , preferably C 4 -C 10 , cycloalkyl group, a C 6 -C 30 , preferably C 6 -C 12 , aryl group.