Rome. A new battle has broken out at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy's most famous tourist attraction. This time the combatants are not gladiators but experts in maintaining the landmarks of the ancient city. The Italian Restorers' Association has warned the new Culture Minister that a planned euro 25 million (21 million) facelift could inflict permanent harm on the Flavian Amphitheatre, which is visited by six million people a year. In a letter they expressed fears of "irreparable damage to Italy's most celebrated monument and ... also to the image of our country". At issue are the terms of the restoration, which is being controversially financed by Tod's, the luxury goods company owned by Diego Della Valle. The restorers say that a change made two years ago favours large developers over specialist restoration companies. They say that simple stonemasons should not be put in charge of one of Italy's archaeological glories, and call on Lorenzo Ornaghi, the minister, to act. Mr Della Valle, known for his company's loafers and driving shoes, stepped in to foot the bill last year when it became clear that the municipality could not afford the costs. "A monument that represents Italy ... must be restored, and a company that represents 'Made in Italy' stepped forward," he said. The Colosseum, built in the 1st century, has been blackened in recent decades by smog and rocked by a nearby underground line. Last year three chunks of stone fell from the façade. The deal with Tod's, however, provoked fears that he would transform the symbol of Rome into a billboard. The company will receive the right to advertise its sponsorship of the project. Mr Della Valle has promised that he will not put the corporate name on the tarpaulins that will cover the scaffolding. He has said that the project will serve as a model for private funding of much needed restorations.