Comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the use of US military bases in Italy during the war with Iran have sparked controversy in Rome.
The Italian Defence Ministry on Wednesday accused him of conveying a "completely misleading message" about the types of flights authorized by the government.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Rutte had said that 500 US aircraft had taken off from bases in Italy in support of Operation Epic Fury.
The ministry disputed Rutte's descriptions, saying Italy had permitted only "technical and logistical" flights.
"Whenever a request outside this scope has been submitted, as is well known, Italy has not granted authorization," it said.
Rutte is due to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House later on Wednesday, as he seeks to ease tensions with the administration.
Trump on Monday again accused several European allies of failing to support Washington during the war with Iran. He singled out Britain, Germany and Italy, though he did not elaborate on the allegations.
In the Fox News interview, Rutte said: "When it comes to NATO, I know there is disappointment. But let's also see that these are isolated cases."
He added that there had been several thousand take-offs and landings by US military aircraft at bases in European countries.
