IT IS winner takes all as Hampden Park plays host to one of the biggest games in its history this evening—and Scots-based Italians insist it will not be them saying “arrivederci” to their Euro 2008 hopes come the final whistle.

You may have thought there would be some split loyalties among Italians now living in Scotland ahead of the big game, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“It will be 1-0 to Italy, no question,” said Francesco Marino, a 23-year-old waiter at Ciao Roma in Perth.

“We can always perform when the pressure is on and it will be no different in this game.”

No fewer than 10 Italians work at the restaurant—all of them Azzuri fanatics—and nobody is disagreeing with Francesco’s confident prediction.

Chef Alessandro Atzori from Naples is certain Italy will win.

“Ciao Roma will be full of tears if Italy lose but I do not think that is possible,” he said.

“We will not get to see the game because we are working but I do not think it will take long for people to tell us the result!”

Ciao Roma manager Kevin Schreiner has already taken a few bookings for tonight and has a plan up his sleeve to ensure everyone is happy, regardless of the match result.

“If Italy win the staff will be delighted, but the customers may not be quite so pleased,” he said.

“However, we are creating something very special to keep everybody happy—a beautiful margherita pizza topped with haggis.

“It will symbolise the clash of two cultures and should be perfect for the occasion.”

The restaurant will be quiet early on but Mr Schreiner is expecting to do brisk business after the final whistle has sounded.

“The streets of Perth will be deserted at 5pm but I am sure people will be out and about later on—I just hope football is the winner,” he added.

However, members of the Tartan Army remain confident Scotland can get the right result.

“We have beaten France home and away so I think we can take care of Italy,” said fan Andrew Mathieson from Perth.

“I managed to get a ticket for the match and will be at Hampden where the atmosphere will be second to none.

“Whatever happens we have been brilliant in this qualifying campaign, to get through would be the icing on the cake,” he added.