The Times asked parliamentarians whom they will support in the World Cup. Just as the local political battle is mainly between the Nationalists and Labourites, in football it is between England and Italy.

They might disagree about everything under the sun but Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat have one thing in common: they are both Italy supporters. But it stops there, even in football terms, because while Dr Gonzi is an Interista Dr Muscat supports Milan, Inter's sworn enemy.

And they think different teams will win too: the Prime Minister believes England can make it while Dr Muscat thinks the winner will be Germany.

They will both try to watch some matches. Dr Muscat said he would try to catch as many games as possible and Dr Gonzi said he hoped to "watch a game or two, especially towards the final stages of the tournament".

Community Care Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea, who sides with England, is keeping his fingers crossed, hoping to watch as many games as possible. "I just hope the Prime Minister is aware that the World Cup is due... so he doesn't call any meetings during the games."

Unsurprisingly, a quick glance at the football preferences of Malta's parliamentarians shows that the majority side with either England or Italy, with just one more supporting England than Italy.

There are also six Germany supporters.

Then there are those who will side with more than one team. Like former Nationalist minister Ninu Zammit, who will be supporting the most teams: England, Brazil and Argentina. Youth and Sport Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli is also torn between two teams, France and Italy, while Labour MP Owen Bonnici will be siding with England and some "other underdog", like Slovenia.

Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant, who is renowned for siding with the underdog - in 2006 it was Costa Rica - will be supporting the Ivory Coast.

Although the World Cup turns those who are not usually interested in football into supporters, three parliamentarians remain completely indifferent to the matches. Interestingly, they are from the Labour side: Helena Dalli, who said she enjoyed watching football but did not support anyone in particular, party whip Joe Mizzi and former deputy leader George Vella.