As football fever continues to grip fans across Ipswich, with England facing Italy in their opening World Cup game tomorrow night, the banter has been flowing at a popular town centre unisex hair salon.

Customers and staff at the family-run Francesco Hair Salon, in St Matthews Street, have been debating which country will emerge victorious in the tropical heat of Manaus in Brazil. It kicks off at 11pm.

Francesco De Lellis, owner of Francesco Hair Salon, said: “England have got a young team but Italy are a good side, so personally I think it will be a draw.

“But if one team has to win, then it has obviously got to be Italy!”

Ciro De Lellis said: “We are all excited for the game. There has been a lot of banter between customers and friends. It will be a tight game between two very good sides. We will be on the edge of our seats but I think it will be a draw.

“Hopefully the two teams will meet each other in the World Cup final though.”

He added: “We are now just waiting for someone to come in and ask for a Mario Balotelli or Neymar haircut!”