Italian fans to turn out in force - to cheer Liverpool

May 18 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE’S 3,000-strong Italian community will be turning out in force for next week’s Champions League match – but most of them will be rooting for Liverpool.

While the city’s bars will be heaving with Reds, Italian restaurants are also preparing themselves for the big night.

One of the main sites will be Bar Italia in Castle Street, where proprietor Franco Colangeli is bracing himself for a repeat of the dramatic scenes that accompanied Liverpool’s last clash with AC Milan in 2005.

Around 50 specially-invited Italian guests are expected to descend on the restaurant, where Mr Colangeli has a reserved room which will show the match as it is broadcast on Italian TV.

Mr Colangeli has lived in the city for 44 years and, although he is a Lazio fan, will be cheering on Liverpool.

He said: “It was jam-packed two years ago and hopefully it will be the same this year.

“Last time we had TV and radio broadcasts from here and about 100 people watching the game.

“I only have regular customers down here to watch the game, rather than people wandering in off the street.

“It’s always a passionate atmosphere, with people supporting different teams.

“Liverpool has a big following among the Italian community, and there will be more Italians supporting them than AC Milan.

“There will also be a lot of Juventus and Inter Milan supporters, but whichever team we support, we all sit down afterwards and have something to eat.”

Meanwhile, football-friendly pubs and clubs are expecting a roaring trade on the night.

A special “Champions League cocktail” will be on sale at both the Newz Bar in Water Street and Sir Thomas Hotel in Victoria Street.

Owner Paul Flanagan said: “We’re expecting a massive night. We’ve installed extra plasma screens and the upstairs floor of the Newz Bar was already fully booked the night we beat Chelsea.

“Most people want to push the boat out and it’s great for business.”

Elsewhere, fans are invited to bring their flags and banners to Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre, where the match is being shown on a big screen. There is a £5 deposit per person, which can be exchanged for drinks vouchers on arrival. To book, call the box office on 0870 787 1866.

The Philharmonic Hall is also showing the final on its cinema screen. Admission is free by ticket only, which will be issued on a first come, first served basis. To book, email boxoffice@ liverpoolphil.com, quoting “LFC Champions League Final” in the subject line.

The 1,000-plus capacity Olympia, in West Derby Road, is hoping to create an Athens-style Kop, with fans encouraged to bring their homemade banners.

Aldo’s Bar, in Victoria Street, will link up to owner John Aldridge, who is co-commenting for Radio City.

The Sandon, in Oakfield Road, Anfield, will hold up to 1,000 punters for a Athens/Liverpool party with staff in traditional Greek costume.

Andersons, in Exchange Street East, is selling tickets for £30 for a free bar event while showing the football.

Pan American Club and Blue Bar, at the Albert Dock, are hosting Greek-styled menus before the game.

Stephen Pearse, policy special- ist at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “The most important effect of the Champions League final is the feel-good factor it brings to the city.

“The airport gets a massive boost in business to cater for all the extra flights that are coming in, and I don’t think you can get a hotel room that night.

“And, of course, it’s boom time for the city’s bars and restaurants.”