Reports claimed the Calcio Federation did not approve of this, but the Italian giants will pay their respects in Tuesday's clash with Torino.

With the sporting world continuing to grieve the recent loss of Kobe Bryant, AC Milan are preparing to pay tribute to the late basketball icon. However, this move comes after reports emerged claiming Serie A disapproved of this act.

According to Sky Italia (as per Goal), the Rossoneri made a request to Calcio Federation to wear black armbands in respect of the NBA legend but were not given approval by the league's organizers. Despite this, they claim the Italian giants decided to pay homage to the late basketballer.

AC Milan have now confirmed on social media that they will, in agreement with Serie A, sport black armbands. Furthermore, there will also be a minute in silence for the Black Mamba. Were the Sky Italia allegations false or did the Calcio Federation reverse their previous decision? One can only speculate.

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna tragically lost their lives in an airplane crash outside of Los Angeles. Since then, tributes have been pouring in for the LA Lakers icon, with AC Milan taking to social media to write a heartfelt condolence.

Kobe was a revered athlete who transcended basketball. His connection with the Serie A giants ran deep as the five-time NBA champion was a huge fan of AC Milan, growing up watching the likes of Van Basten, Rijkaard, Gullit, and Maldini during his childhood days in Milan.