THERE will be split loyalties in a city centre restaurant when England take on Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 tomorrow.

Staff at Galleria Italiana, in Friar Street, will be unsure who to cheer on when Roy Hodgson’s men step out at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, for the clash.

The Three Lions topped group D to get through to the last eight after drawing with France and defeating Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine.

The Italians finished as runners-up in group C following draws with Spain and Croatia and victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Galleria Italiana owner Faust Mazzocchi will be making the most of the restaurant being closed by sitting down in front of the television to savour the home versus heart tie.

Mr Mazzocchi said: “I was born in this country and was brought up with British football but I am split down the middle. Whether England or Italy go through I will be pleased either way.”

He added: “It will most probably the one game I will be watching of the whole tournament.

“England are playing quite well, so with Rooney back and the Italian defence it should be very interesting but I would not like to predict it.”

Meanwhile Mr Mazzocchi’s head chef Cosimo de Marco will be following the game on Italian soil while on holiday in his homeland.

“It will be a bit of a split for me. I have lived here for 11 years but I have supported Italy all my life,” said Mr de Marco.

“It’s something new for me and my heart will be split in half.

“I like to see a fair game and hopefully the team which plays the best football will win the match.”