If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Italians are not far behind. The Mediterranean country is “on its feet” for Estonia’s entry in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Performing in a mix of English and Italian, rapper Tommy Cash draws on a number of Italian stereotypes in his song, “Espresso Macchiato.”

The song, which runs just under three minutes, has sparked some controversy in Italy and now Codacons, a consumer association, has called on the organizers of the hugely popular contest to remove it.

An unusual YouTube video for the song shows Cash drinking a cup of coffee, while the catchy tune, typical of Eurovision entries, features the lyrics: “Ciao bella, I’m Tomaso, addicted to smoking. I like coffee very important.”

He also sings: “My money is endless, I work around the clock. That’s why I sweat like a mafia.” Another line reads: “Life is like spaghetti, it’s hard until you make it.”

Cash is described on the Eurovision website as “a sought-after artist with huge popularity” who mixes “raw tenderness with twisted humor.”

Codacons filed an appeal with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the contest.

Codacons described the song as “offensive” for presenting “stereotypes about Italy and Italians, linked to the usual clichés of coffee and spaghetti, but above all to the mafia and the display of luxury, and sending the message of a people linked to organized crime.”

Codacons said in a statement: “Just as rappers’ songs with sexist and misogynistic lyrics should rightly be opposed, the question arises whether, based on the same criteria, it is appropriate to allow a song that offends a country and an entire community to participate in Eurovision, and which risks transmitting inaccurate messages that damage the reputation of a nation and its reputation.

(Codocons) urges the EBU with this appeal to assess measures such as the possible exclusion of the song ‘Espresso Macchiato’ from the next Eurovision.”