Who is Ryder Cup singer Carly Paoli, and what was the England football controversy?

THE Ryder Cup is set to return on Friday – but not before the iconic opening ceremony.

It will be held at Marco Simone’s Fan Village Stage and will see the introduction of both teams and the first set pairings, as well as a performance from opera singer Carly Paoli.

Carly Paoli will perform at the Ryder Cup opening ceremonyGETTY

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Who is Ryder Cup singer Carly Paoli?

Carly Paoli is a 34-year-old opera singer who was born in Mansfield, England.

She performed God Save the King before England’s first fixture since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Prior to performing, Paoli told the Belfast Telegraph: “Singing God Save the Queen was a tradition for Her Majesty and now it is important to celebrate the new King and it is a privilege to be able to do that.

“I’m sure the Royal Family will be watching Italy play England, especially the Prince of Wales (William) and his sons who I know are huge football fans.

“My mother’s side of the family comes from Italy and I have grown up in England so it is really exciting to sing both national anthems that mean so much to me.

“Singing Inno di Mameli in front of a passionate Italian crowd will be simply wonderful and to have the honour of singing God Save the King for the first time in international football will make it a night I will never forget.”

What did Carly Paoli do before England vs Italy?

Mansfield-born Paoli started off singing God Save the King in a red cloak, the first time the National Anthem was sung before an England match since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

But as it was Italy’s turn to sing Inno di Mameli, Paoli stripped off to reveal a FULL Azzurri kit at the San Siro in Milan.

Paoli describes herself as “English rose with Italian roots.”

Carly Paoli performing God Save the King before England vs Italy in 2022Channel 4

Carly Paoli revealed her full Italy kit after performing God Save the KingChannel 4

Paoli has history for this, in 2021, she sang both anthems prior to Northern Ireland’s clash against Italy at Windsor Park.

That time around, she performed Italy’s anthem first before she revealed she was wearing a full Northern Ireland kit for her rendition of God Save the Queen.