By Russell Leadbetter

A top Italian restaurant in Glasgow has grabbed a pizza the action in the Homeless World Cup.

La Vita has been named as an official sponsor of Scotland’s men’s and women’s teams at the tournament, which starts in George Square on Sunday.

The restaurant, which overlooks the square, will be decorated with Scottish flags throughout the week-long event and will provide food to the Scotland squads. It has also created a unique Team Scotland pizza – with Scotch beef and black pudding.

La Vita will help raise funds to support Street Soccer Scotland, the organisation behind the Scottish teams.

The international tournament will see more than 500 players competing from across the world.

MarioArcari, from La Vita, said: “Our family may be Italian but we are Scottish through and through so it’s a real pleasure to back the home team at the Homeless World Cup.

“We’re looking forward to making sure the Scottish players are kept well fed and watered throughout the week and we hope they enjoy our special Team Scotland pizza.

“As the big event is right on our doorstep we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone who comes along to watch such an inspiring tournament and hope they donate generously to support the incredible work Street Soccer Scotland does throughout the year across the country.”

David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “La Vita is legendary in Glasgow city centre so having them supporting our players at the Homeless World Cup as well as supporting the work we do almost every day of the year is amazing. We all thank Mario and his staff for their kindness and support. I’m looking forward to trying the Team Scotland pizza.”

Scotland’s men’s team won the Homeless World Cup in Denmark in 2007 and in Paris in 2011.

The women’s team finished fifth in Paris and seventh last year in Amsterdam.