MAMMA Mia!

Footy fan Dan Ferretti says his house will be split down the middle when England face Italy in the European Championship final on Sunday.

The 47-year-old and children Gianluca, 15, and Sophia, 11, will be rooting for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

However, the blue corner will be passionately represented by Italian dad Lino, 73, and brother Adam, 39.

Dan admits he has been fearing this scenario and expects emotions to run high.

He said: “I’ve been dreading this ever since the end of the group games.

“Both teams were playing well and given that they were on the same side of the draw, I knew they could meet in the final.

“I’m proud of my heritage and have been rooting for Italy throughout the tournament, wearing my blue top and hanging up an Italian flag.

“But it’s different now they’re playing England.

“In many ways, I’m dreading it and it’s sapped a lot of the joy out of it, if I’m honest.

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“I’ve watched England for 40 years and at any other time I’d be going berserk about the prospect of reaching a European Championship final. I just wish it wasn’t against Italy.

“It should be a huge thing for me but it’s been tempered, to some extent. Either way, there will be some very happy and some very sad people on Sunday night.

“It’ll all be very good-natured, though.”

Dan and partner Belinda, 47, are playing host for Sunday’s final and says he will be hanging up a huge St George’s Day flag at his home in Wheatfield Road, Stanway.

He says the weirdest part of the night will be supporting a different team to brother Adam, who lives in Stanway. “We both support Manchester United and 99 times out of 100 we’re cheering for the same team,” said the director at Target Fuels and Machinery Ltd.

“I’ve supported both teams all the way through the tournament, watching with my dad and brother.

“Now we’re watching it together again on Sunday with those two supporting Italy and me rooting for England.

“To be on opposite sides is very weird and surreal. It’s drained a lot of the joy out of it for me.

“My dad has been here since he was 16 and I’m very proud to be half-Italian, but I’ve always supported England.

“It’s just the way I feel - a gut instinct, rather than a conscious decision I’ve made.

“You can’t support a team under false pretences.

“Adam, on the other hand, has always felt a stronger affinity to Italy.

“He bought a house out there last year and would move there tomorrow if he could.

“Mum (Sandi), on the other hand, will be sitting on the fence. She’s English but has been married to an Italian for over 50 years, so will just enjoy the game for what it is.”

Lino and Sandi live on Mersea Island and the family will also be joined by Dan’s sister, Krissie. He has another brother, Davide, who is not a football fan and lives in London.