A state funeral is being held today in a Rome basilica. President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi are expected to attend.

Officials say flags will fly at half-staff on government buildings across Italy.
The six were killed by a roadside bombing Thursday in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Four other Italian soldiers were injured and 10 Afghans also lost their lives.

The bodies of the Italians were returned home yesterday. Thousands of people went to pay their respects as the bodies lay in state in the chapel of a military hospital in Rome.