The body of an Italian secret service agent shot by US forces in Iraq was flown home to a hero's welcome Sunday amid mounting anger in Italy over his killing.

Agent Nicola Calipari, 52, who was in charge of the operation that led to the release of reporter Giuliana Sgrena, died while shielding her from bullets fired on their car by US troops near Baghdad airport. Sgrena had just been released after being held hostage in Iraq for a month.

Sgrena was wounded in the attack and flew back to Italy on Saturday for medical care.

She rejected a statement by the US military that its forces had fired on the Italians because their car was speeding towards a checkpoint.

Calipari's coffin arrived at Rome's Ciampino airport at midnight aboard a C-130 military plane.

His wife, mother and daughter broke down in tears as his casket, drapped in an Italian flag, was carried out by a guard of honour.

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi held both hands up to the coffin, standing motionless in front of the body for almost two minutes before allowing it to be placed in a hearse.

Ciampi announced earlier that he intended to issue a posthumous decoration to Calipari, the father of two children, recognizing his military service. Italian media reported he was killed by a bullet that struck him in the head.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, government ministers and clergy looked on, while five of Italy's seven national television stations broadcast the return live, underscoring the huge sense of shock and disbelief in Italy over the killing.

Calipari's coffin will be taken to a chapel in central Rome.

Calipari has already been declared a national hero and will be buried in a state funeral.

Italy has proved one of US President George W. Bush's most fervent allies in Europe, but Calipari's death has put a strain on relations and Rome has demanded a full investigation.

The US military said its forces shot at the car on Friday evening after flashing lights and firing warning shots to try to get it to stop.

Italy's minister for parliamentary relations, Carlo Giovanardi, told state television on Saturday that he did not believe the US version of events.

Source: CD/Agencies