The cause of death was not disclosed but Italian media reported that a gun and note were found near his body in his house in Rome.

He had recently been widowed, the reports said.

"I am shocked by the news of the tragic death of General Claudio Graziano," Meloni said in a statement, describing him "an upright servant of the state".

Graziano was named chairman of Fincantieri in 2022 after an illustrious career including stints as chief of staff at the Defence Ministry and commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 2007 to 2010.

"The passing of General Claudio Graziano leaves me speechless," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

"He was a friend and an extraordinary officer who also honoured Italy in his European roles. May a prayer accompany him on his journey to join his bride," he said on X.

Fincantieri is Europe's leading shipbuilder, with 21,000 employees and revenues exceeding 7.7 billion euros ($8.2 billion).

The group's share price fell three percent on the Milan Stock Exchange on the news of Graziano's death.

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Fincantieri