Opera singer Carly Paoli has stunned fans by revealing a full Italian kit for the Azzurri’s national anthem ahead of the Nations League clash against England at the San Siro.
The singer, born in Mansfield with English and Italian ancestry, was commissioned to perform both anthems for Friday night’s game in Milan.
She sang the first performance of “God Save The King” for the Three Lions following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II earlier this month.
Afterwards, Paoli stripped off a red coat to reveal a full Italian kit, socks and all, before singing “Il Canto degli Italiani” to a delighted local crowd.
And it turns out to be something of a trademark for the 33-year-old.
In 2021, Paoli sang both anthems for Northern Ireland’s home clash against Italy – and stripped off a blue coat to reveal the green and white army kit underneath, before a stunning rendition of “God Save The Queen”.
The reaction of both groups of supporters is what led the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, to offer him the concert at the San Siro.
Paoli spoke of the “honor and privilege” of singing the two anthems for Italy and England.
“Singing God Save the Queen was a tradition for Her Majesty and now it is important to celebrate the new King and it is a privilege to be able to do so,” Paoli told the Belfast Telegraph.
“I’m sure the Royal Family will watch Italy play against England, especially the Prince of Wales (William) and his sons who I know are huge football fans.
“My mother’s family is from Italy and I grew up in England, so it’s really exciting to sing the two national anthems that mean so much to me.
“Singing Inno di Mameli in front of a passionate Italian crowd will be nothing short of wonderful and having the honor of singing God Save the King for the first time in international football will make it an evening I will never forget.”
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