ROME (AP) — Hooded youths taking part in an anti-government protest in the Italian city of Florence have attacked police with cobblestones, sticks and other objects and police have responded with tear gas.

Italian media said one officer was injured on the leg in the clashes Saturday, apparently from a firecracker.

Police used shields to block young men who were charging them in an attempt to reach a building where Premier Matteo Renzi was attending political talks.

Those involved in the clashes were among a larger group of anti-government protesters who marched while Renzi was in the city. The demonstration aimed to show opposition to a constitutional referendum on Dec. 4 that Renzi has called. He says the changes are important reforms, but opponents fear they will lead to an excessive centralization of power.