A STUDENT in Italy has become an unexpected TikTok sensation after tattooing the barcode of his Covid certificate on his arm.

Andrea Colonnetta, 22, said he hadn't given much thought in advance before getting his latest tattoo, but decided on the topical — and practical — choice after talking with tattoo artist Gabriele Pellerone.

The underside of Colonnetta's left arm now bears a matrix of black squares from the QR code of his official Italian green pass.

He said he had received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.