TWO Italians in Bolton are aiming to serve each other a large piece of humble pizza pie.

Salvatore Guaiana and Carmelo Gracetta are linked to the same Italian restaurant -- but they are supporting opposing sides in Europe's biggest football match of the season, between two Italian clubs in Manchester .

It is the European Champions League final between Juventus and AC Milan at Old Trafford.

Salvatore is head waiter at Tiggi's restaurant, in Bradshawgate, and is also a big AC Milan fan.

Carmelo, the father of the restaurant's manager Giuseppa Soruri, is a huge Juventus supporter.

He has supported Juventus for more than 60 years and says the game is bigger than anything in British football.

"Football is like a religion in Italy," said Carmelo, who hails from Sicily.

"The game will be bigger than when Manchester United play Liverpool or Arsenal. It's bigger than anything you can imagine for the people of Italy." Carmelo, aged 70, has been friends with Salvatore for more than 10 years, but his loyalties will be firmly focused on what happens on the pitch.

"Of course I think we will win. I know we are good friends today -- but perhaps we won't be tomorrow," Carmelo said

But Milan fan Salvatore, aged 44, also believes his team will be crowned the kings of Europe.

He said: "It will be close, but I think we will win.

"There has always been massive rivalry between the two clubs and it will never be bigger than tonight. Italian football is coming back."

Like thousands of others, the pair have been unable to get tickets for the game, but will watch it at Giuseppa's house.

Meanwhile, Manchester Airport was expecting one of its busiest days ever ahead of tonight's match.

An extra 300 flights are scheduled to bring more than 25,000 Italian fans from Milan and Turin.

Greater Manchester Police are also prepared for tonight's event, but have warned that they will not tolerate disorder.

Police have urged people to use buses and trams if they are travelling to the ground.

Drivers are also warned that traffic will be heavy on routes near Old Trafford and the airport.

Chief Inspector Martin Gaffney said: "Our main aim is to make sure that those who visit Manchester feel safe and secure without feeling overwhelmed at the presence of hundreds of officers.

"I hope that people enjoy the whole atmosphere of the city in the run up to during and after the game and that they leave with a memorable experience."

Airport spokesman Dave Rowlands said: "We have got 600 coaches to take fans to the ground, and an extra 40,000 litres of water have been ordered by catering firms within the airport.

"We will be the busiest airport in Europe for a short time, with planes leaving at one-minute intervals after the match."

THE battle of football shirts has already been won at Manchester Airport, where Juventus kits have outsold those of AC Milan.

Wendy Huggett, who manages the House of Champions football shops in terminals one and two, said: "While the Juventus shirts have been flying off the shelves, AC Milan have failed to score a hit with the airport's passengers so far, but I'm sure a win would see their sales really take off."

Top Five European football shirts sold at Manchester Airport

1. Real Madrid

2. Barcelona

3. AS Roma

4. Juventus

5= AC Milan

5= Inter Milan