How healthy are you?

I eat well and exercise, but I'm not obsessed. I am addicted to water, though; I drink five to six litres a day and get a bit panicky if I don't have any to hand.

How much sleep do you need?

Six hours. I go to bed late and sleep fitfully. It often takes me a few hours to drift off, then I'll wake up after three hours, go to the bathroom and drink some water, then go back for another three hours.

Do you drink much?

I tend not to drink during the day, unless I'm eating proteins for lunch, in which case I'll have a glass of champagne. I prefer it to white wine - it's lighter. I eat my principal meal in the evening and have a glass of champagne and a glass of red wine with it every day.

Have you ever taken drugs?

In Italy we have been educated about alcohol, and drink to taste, not to get drunk. But we have a big problem with people mixing drugs in the discos. I have never taken any - apart from Nurofen for headaches - and I am pleased that I have never even tasted marijuana, in case I like it. Maybe I'll try it one day.

Is sex important to you?

Absolutely. It's important to have a good relationship with sex. It creates a lot of endorphins and makes you mentally and physically stronger. There are books that say humans are animals and should only have sex a few times a year, but I think it's healthy to have sex every day.

Describe your relationship with food

I don't go on diets as such. I don't like women who say they won't eat this or that - it's boring. I've learnt what's good for me: I love the smell of coffee, but I don't drink it that often, as it gives me a headache. I am slightly intolerant to gluten, so I only eat brown pasta once a week. I avoid sweet things, but we women do have to have chocolate sometimes.

How do you feel about cosmetic surgery?

I think it is a good thing. Some people can't accept themselves the way they are, so if it improves their self-esteem, then why not? We can live longer, so why not look younger for longer? I'm trying to stay naturally beautiful for as long as possible. I have good genes, but some people are a lot less lucky than me, so they have to do something about it.

Are you happy?

Yes, but only when you are very stupid can you be happy all the time. I am grateful and peaceful about what life has given me, but some days I don't feel that happy. That is normal. You have to work at being happy.

· Nancy Dell'Olio's autobiography, My Beautiful Game, is published in paperback by Bantam, priced £7.99