SUN-DRENCHED Burnley football fans are cheering 'molto bello' to the club's Italian pre-season trip.

Around 150 supporters have flown out to famous Lake Garda to watch their Clarets heroes in action.

And while taking in Burnley's two friendly games near the popular lakeside holiday resort of Bardolino, supporters are chilling out in typical Italian-style.

Naturally, hitting the bars or bathing beside hotel pools has been the order of the day, with temperatures in this year's World Cup winning country almost hitting 100 deg. F.

Doncaster-based Tim Mason, 44, has been on Burnley's previous pre-season trips to Austria and the Isle of Man.

Taking with him daughter Gemma Austin, 22, the pair have indulged in the local sights and sounds.

"It's lovely out here," said Mr Mason. "We are enjoying the food, the wine, everything. And the weather is scorching.

"We come out every year following the team. We've been to the Isle of Man, Salzburg and now here.

"We've never been to Italy before but it's lovely. We are staying in Bardolino and we've had a nice drive around the mountains."

Supporters are sampling the delights of stunning Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, while also heading into nearby Verona.

Dave Burnley, from Stoke, who has missed just one Burnley game since Boxing Day 1966, appreciates the Italian culture and watched the opera Aida by Verdi.

"We are trying to take in the local atmosphere," said the 52-year-old superfan, who changed his surname to Burnley by deed-poll.

"I like the place. I like the women. They are the best women in the world for me.

"There's no doubt I would prefer to be here, without question, rather than just across the water in the Isle of Man.

"The beer is half-decent, it's a reasonable price and food is terrific.

"Pizza is the thing. You can't beat it over here it's delicious."

Burnley flew out to Italy last Sunday for their six-day trip that included two friendly games against local opposition.

Supporters watched the Clarets rout a Verona select side 7-0 on Tuesday evening.

They face another local side, US Alense, tonight before flying back tomorrow afternoon.