Diva to star in Pirelli calendar, magazine Gente says

Italian movie queen Sophia Loren is to appear naked in the famous Pirelli calendar - in what will be her first nude shot .

News magazine Gente said the diva will do a "tasteful" pic for next year's edition of the calendar, which has been a sell-out collectible throughout its 30-year life thanks to bevies of supermodels like Naomi Campbell and actresses like Monica Bellucci.

Although Loren has done a few steamy scenes in her distinguished career - including a memorable striptease for Marcello Mastroianni in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - the actress has repeatedly declined demands to take off her togs for the camera. Her reported decision, a few months before her 72nd birthday, is set to spark mixed emotions among her fans, with some struck by eager anticipation and others fearing she may dent her stately reputation.

Web Resources: Pirelli Calendar Official Site.