A new survey published by Italy's largest private investigation company says that in nearly 90% of cases, it is the mobile phone which reveals or betrays extra marital activities, reports the BBC. Italians are known to have two or even three cell phones, to conduct discreet illicit relationships.

"My husband cheated on me with my best friend. I didn't know for two years," says Francesca, who is now divorced.

"She would come round to our house, we would watch TV or all go out together for dinner. Everything seemed normal... I eventually found out because I read text messages from her on my husbands phone," she says.

Miriam Tomponzi, one of Italy's most glamourous and famous detectives, offers these tips for those who want their affairs to remain clandestine:

"You must cancel immediately any message from your lover which could give the game away," Ms Tomponzi says.
"This is obviously difficult as it is hard to cancel a beautiful message, so you could have another mobile phone in a secret place and send your messages to that.
"You must practice and prepare yourself for when you receive a phone call from your lover in front of your husband or wife.
"Practice in front of a mirror if you have to. You must pretend that a sister, mother or brother has called you and act normally.
"And of course you should never say 'It was just a wrong number' or 'You're breaking up I can't hear you.'"