VICENZA, Italy — A brawl at a nightclub early Sunday morning ended in the arrest of 13 U.S. soldiers and the hospitalization of several others, according to Italian media.

The fight at disco Liv in Bassano del Grappa was between U.S. soldiers and “a large group of Africans,” according to Il Giornale di Vicenza. About 40 patrons were involved, some armed with knives and broken bottles, the paper reported.

Law enforcement officials throughout the Vicenza area responded, the paper said.

All of the soldiers arrested belonged to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Brigade spokesman Maj. Juan Martinez said that the brigade was aware of the incident but that he had little information because the investigation was being handled by Italian authorities.

He said it wasn’t clear whether all 13 troops ordered to appear before an Italian magistrate on Monday had been involved in the fight or were merely present when Italian police responded.

montgomery.nancy@stripes.com