WITH Wales facing Italy in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Sunday to decide who tops Group A in Euro 2020, one popular figure in local Ceredigion football admits his loyalties are split.

Having beaten Turkey 2-0 in Baku last night with a hugely impressive display, Rob Page’s men will be confident of getting a positive result against Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri.

Italy have secured 3-0 wins in their two outing so far - against Turkey and Switzerland – and will be looking to make it three out of three.

Hugely experienced defender Jonathan Foligno, a stalwart at Penrhyncoch’s Cae Baker for over 10 seasons, wants Wales to do well but not quite as well as Italy.

He said: “My loyalties are split I’m afraid as half of my family is Italian and that’s always been the football half.

“I’m willing Wales on to do as well as they can but obviously want Italy to win as I always do.

“In an ideal world it would be both of them in the final with Italy just pipping it!

“If Italy go out then obviously I want Wales to win.

“But last night was an outstanding performance and win against all odds and home advantage. What the Welsh are about.”

The local businessman added: “All my dad’s family come from Bardi in Italy, not far from Parma.

“My grandparents’ families opened cafes next door to each other in Pontarddulais in the 20s and that’s how they met.

“My grandad died when my dad was young and my gran ran a cafe in Kidwelly her whole life.

“Dad is football mad and played for Llanelli when they were really successful in the 60s and 70s then moved up here.

“He’s always shown me the Italian defenders and preached my Italian heritage my whole life hence why I’m so passionate about it.

“Tried to model my own game on the way the Italians defend also. Not quite as skilled I’m afraid!”