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Scottish, But A True Azzurri

Five Days To Go.. Big Brother 4 Contestant Federico Martone, Born In Scotland To Italian Parents, Explains Why He's Backing Italy

LET me nail my colours to the mast here, they are green, white and red.

I could elaborate for hours on this but understand, I had no choice.

My first memory is being on my dad's shoulder, screaming, "Italia, Italia" after Paolo Rossi and company conquered the world in Spain 82.

Then, when I was 10, my hero was Roberto Baggio at Italia 90.

And the first time I cried was at USA 94 when Roberto spooned his penalty over the bar.

Then, just over a year ago when our fearless boys ran away with the greatest trophy of them all - the World Cup.

I had no choice. As my dad, Rocco, once put it: "Support Italy or I'll have you adopted."

I have only one concern about the big match I don't have a ticket ... yet.

Before the last Hampden meeting of these two great nations, I called up the SFA and simply asked for four tickets in the Italian end.

They obliged and I soon realised that as long as your accent was ridiculous enough it was possible to get as many tickets as you wanted.

I called on seven occasions, then promptly distributed the tickets around my friends.

I fear I may have played my part in scuppering this useful process for many Scottish-based Italians, though, as my friends were rather boisterous in their celebration of Kenny Miller's early goal.

Having a city centre restaurant provides the perfect spot to soak up some football atmosphere - even the fans willing Italy to lose like to tuck in to their saltimbocca alla Romana and pinot grigio.

dailyrecord

Sounds like his restaurant is doing well, but hardly the best marketing policy...

I'm sure, deep down, he's glad to be a Scot.

And partially inaccurate, afaik. His mother is Scottish isn't she?

On that subject actually I meant to put yesterday that that Cameron from BB4 was in the Evening Express saying about the football and how he'd probably be in rehearsals but would be checking the scores. Went on to say that if Scotland won he'd have some haggis pizza....!

For reasons of goodwill & the fact that I'm the kind of person who would rather say something nice about somebody, or nothing at all - I've edited my post.

Have you been to the restaurant, Cameron??

Only reply if you want to!

Federico emailed me the Christmas menus the night before last or so. I've not been yet but I'm planning to go next week before we get into full panto swing.

Will report back!