Sophia Loren on Monday led tributes to Gina Lollobrigida, long her rival for the title of Italy's sexiest screen bombshell export, who has died at the age of 95. "I'm deeply shaken and saddened, and above all incredulous at what has happened," said Loren, 88, after the passing of her fellow diva and legend.

Talking to ANSA, Loren said that for the moment she had nothing else to add. Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano also paid tribute Lollobrigida after the once 'most beautiful woman in the world' died in her Rome home. "Farewell to a screen diva, protagonist of over a half a century of Italian cinema history. Her allure will remain eternal. Ciao Lollo", he said.