Henry Calleja thought he had seen it all after 46 years as a sports journalist, but this is the biggest England vs Italy clash he can remember.

“Many people thought they’d never see the two teams play such an important match – now that it’s about to happen, the old local rivalry has been revived.

I’ve met elderly women who are suddenly passionate England or Italy supporters; it will be a great occasion,” he said.

Citing politics, language and religion as the origins of the rivalry, Mr Calleja, 70, thinks the new generation of England and Italy fans are still fired by the same factors as his contemporaries were, as families pass on their allegiances.

But he pointed out this is not always true, as he knows some ‘divided’ families.

“It’s funny because the old guard like me tend to forget the rivalry and enjoy the match, but there is always a new crop of fanatics to take up the mantle,” he said.

Although an Italy supporter, Mr Calleja thinks England have the edge today and one goal could settle it.

“Whatever happens, I will still go to sleep after the match,” he said.