AN ITALIAN restaurant has taken sponsorship of Albion's dugout after seeing them play against a team from the Eternal City.

Donatello has sponsored the home dugout after sponsoring the Seagulls’ pre-season friendly against Lazio of Rome and it marks a ten-year relationship with the club.

Donatello’s name will appear on the head rests of all seating in the dugout area, where managers, substitutes and other staff will sit during the Seagull’s home matches.

The Addis family, owners of Donatello, said: “We are so happy to be sponsoring this area for a team that is close to our hearts and who we have supported for many, many years.”

Paul Rogers, commercial and premium partnerships manager and former player at Brighton and Hove Albion, said: “Donatello is such a favourite of ours and of our fans; we are delighted to have them on board this season.

“We first worked with Sue and her family team almost ten years ago and we feel that it’s vital to maintain these local business connections. It’s not only good for business but for the local community, and therefore the morale of the entire club. To be able to support each other is what it’s all about.”