A former Sky journalist who worked as La7’s Washington and White House correspondent has died “suddenly” at the age of 50. Italian journalist Daniele Compatangelo, who was president of the White House Foreign Correspondents' Association (WHFCA), died after a “sudden illness”, the ANSA news agency has reported.

He had covered US politics for more than 20 years, securing an exclusive telephone interview with Donald Trump. But he also sparked a huge row after Trump claimed Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” him to take a photograph with her at the G7 summit. She called the claims “completely fabricated” and triggered a diplomatic row between Washington and Rome.

Tributes have now flooded in for Daniele, with LA7’s director Andrea Salerno saying: “We are stunned. Everyone at La7 stands close to his loved ones.

“Daniele was a precious and rare collaborator, driven by a constant desire to tell stories with accuracy and cheerfulness. He was a fine journalist. He will be missed."

La7 talk show host David Parenzo said: “To say that I am shocked is an understatement.

“He was not only a great professional, but also a true friend. In our profession, sometimes a professional relationship turns into a friendship, and that is exactly what happened with Daniele.

“The last phone call I had with him was yesterday. We exchanged messages almost daily, and we also had a chat for L’Aria che Tira [Parenzo’s show] where he constantly briefed us on what was happening in the United States, pointing out the most important developments.

“I was supposed to go to America in August, and we had arranged to meet in Washington.”

La Voce de New York reports that Daniele “is believed to have suffered a heart attack during the night”, with his body reportedly being found at his home.