I'm a super-fit Italian... so get me out of here

It could have been a nice plate of pasta washed down with a cool glass of lemonade.

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It could have been a civilised night out with his team-mates, a few soft drinks and a stimulating conversation.

Or it could simply have been a mental plea for help to Serie A: I'm an Italian, get me out of here!

As new England manager and compatriot Fabio Capello prepares to tackle fish, chips and mushy peas, if not the lads' Friday night out, Bianchi simply craves a quiet weekend by Lake Como.

Life in Manchester, admitted City's £8.8million summer signing from Reggina, really is an alien concept.

Bianchi claimed: "I think I am the only teetotaller in the whole Premier League. My team-mates were surprised when I refused a mouthful of beer. They looked at me as if I was an extra-terrestrial.

"Tastes are tastes and I have chosen for some time — no beer, no wine, no alcopops."

Bianchi has been making noises for most of the season about his Eastlands situation, where he has been kept out of the team until recently by the likes of Emile Mpenza and Giorgios Samaras.

But manager Sven Goran Eriksson has picked him more often of late with some pleasing results. So it will do nothing for their relationship when the boss discovers Bianchi's true feelings.

Even the open-armed welcome from City fans, who gave Bianchi a standing ovation on Thursday despite his horrendous miss from two yards from a Martin Petrov cross in a 2-2 draw, cannot lift the striker's story of the Blues.

The 24-year-old, set to face Liverpool tomorrow, told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I am learning the language, but I have raised the white flag with English food. I don't like it."

Well, that's easily solved. Sven will certainly be able to recommend a good Italian or two, Rolando.

But there's more. "I have had to get used to the referees," said Bianchi. "Here it's hard for a striker. In Italy, if a defender touches you, the referee blows. In the Premier League you don't get a free-kick even if the defender runs you over. I am getting used to this new refereeing rhythm."

Now for the good news. Bianchi loves the City fans, especially when they play his tune. He said: "They made a song just for me with the words of Volare by Domenico Modugno and it's good to hear that rising to the heavens in Italian."

And finally, the heart of the matter. Next month's transfer window might offer tempting escape from the Manchester rain, but it could be too soon for Bianchi, who has scored only four goals so far.

He said: "I want to be a top European striker. After 18 goals with Reggina last season I want to get into double figures in the Premier League. Then I will pack my bags and look for a new adventure.

"I would like to play for Atletico Madrid and score 15 goals or so in La Liga."

Or Italy? "I will be back soon for a simple reason. My dream is to wear the national jersey.

"I was very close to joining Fiorentina last season. But I would not refuse an offer from Inter, Milan, Juve, Napoli or Roma."

That should cover it. Better than a postcard in the newsagent's, Rolando.