ROME-- The body of 31 year old Bersagliere Captain Giuseppe La Rosa, killed in a bomb attack Saturday in Afghanistan, arrived back at Ciampino’s Military airport early this morning.

 Gathered on the tarmac to pay their respects stood President Enrico Letta, Defence Minister Mario Mauro and the deputies Roberta Pinotti and Joachim Alfano.  Also present was the new Chief of Police Alessandro Pansa and the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli.

Accompanied by members of the army’s psychologists, La Rosa’s closest family members including his parents, brothers and sister and uncles helped receive his body, which was transferred from Ciampino airport to the Celio Military hospital before it reaches the funeral home. 

  A ceremony took place this evening at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli before a private service for La Rosa’s family tomorrow.