Well, here I am, once more in the Ricci café in the piazza in Fivizzano, fresh from the ministrations of my hairdresser and friend Massimo. Comments from other friends in the café ranged from ageing rock star to distinguished professor. My mate Oreste, originally from Naples, who was just before me in the hairdressers, was similarly spruced up for the big match tonight. (His wife Chris took my photograph.)
We are off tonight to their house to watch England play Italy, Oreste to shout loudly for the Azzurri and Lois and I to murmur encouragingly for Gareth Southgate’s chaps. As a token gesture I have ordered a pizza napoli!
Come on England!