Italy prepares to honour intelligence officer

A state funeral for an Italian intelligence officer shot and killed by American troops in Iraq while escorting an ex-hostage to freedom was due to take place today, as a steady stream of shocked Italians viewed the man’s body lying in state in Rome.

The funeral of Nicola Calipari in a Rome church was expected to draw the country’s president, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and other top officials.