Italy's Tommaso Allan says he's ready for an emotional Six Nations clash against Scotland, but while heart strings will be tugged by the 'Flower of Scotland' he insists his head is focused on the rugby.
Allan lines up for his sixth Azzurri cap on Saturday as one of several talented players that coach Jacques Brunel is hoping to prime in time for next year's World Cup.
But as Rome's Olympic Stadium prepares to welcome the friendly invasion of a kilted Tartan Army seeking an upturn in fortunes after heavy defeats to Ireland and England, the 20-year-old Allan knows his experience will be "special".
Born in Vicenza to a Scottish father, William, and an Italian mother, Paola, Allan came through the Scottish ranks at under-17, 18 and 20 level before stopping short of his full senior debut.
"It was always a hard decision, because Scotland helped me in the previous age groups and I am half-Scottish as well. But then I had to choose and I had to make a choice based on what's best for my future," he said of the decision he made late last year.
He avoided the Scottish amateur ranks when his agent bagged an 'Espoir' (under-20) contract at Perpignan, one of France's top clubs.
The French Top 14 side then called him up for the first time earlier this season and due to injury absences Allan was given a chance to shine at fly-half.
Word soon got round to Brunel, the bespectacled Frenchman who was Perpignan's coach from 2007-2011, and before Scotland could blink Allan was gone.
But Allan, who speaks fluent Italian, French and English -- the latter with a hint of an accent from South Africa where he turned out for the Western Province club -- admits Saturday's game will be "pretty special".
"Obviously it's a bit of a different game from the other ones," he said.
"It's pretty special, but you also have to think of it as a normal game, otherwise there can be too many emotions."
