A Historic Collaboration Unveiled at the New York Gala Celebrating NIAF’s 50th Anniversary.

Lega Serie A and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) are proud to announce a regional partnership that will strengthen cultural and sporting ties between Italy and the Italian American community in the United States. The partnership was announced during NIAF’s annual Gala, held yesterday, April 10, at the prestigious Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.

Presented in the context of NIAF’s 50th anniversary, this collaboration marks a historic milestone for both organizations. For the first time ever, Lega Serie A has designated NIAF as its official Regional Partner in the United States for the upcoming season.

“Serie A is more than just football — it’s identity, culture, and Italian pride around the world,” said Ezio Simonelli, President of Lega Serie A. “Through this alliance with NIAF, we celebrate not only our sport, but also the millions of Italian Americans who passionately and proudly keep their heritage alive.”

The partnership includes a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive rights for NIAF to use the Lega Serie A brand, TV exposure through advertising and LED visibility during North American broadcasts of the Coppa Italia Final and the Italian Super Cup, as well as the launch of a new digital format: Curva Americana, Presented by NIAF. This new content series will highlight Italian American fans’ passion for Italian football and their cultural ties to Serie A clubs.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with such a historic institution as NIAF, which has proudly represented our culture and traditions in the United States for the past fifty years,” said Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Lega Serie A. “Thanks to this new synergy, we will bring Italian football even closer to millions of American fans, creating unique opportunities to experience the passion that only Serie A can deliver.”

Robert Allegrini, President of NIAF, added: “This alliance marks the beginning of a new chapter in promoting Italian culture in the United States. Together with Lega Serie A, we aim to build bridges between new generations of Italian Americans and their roots, using the universal language of football to inspire, engage, and unite.”

Additional planned activations include appearances by Italian football legends, displays of official trophies, exclusive merchandise, and dedicated video content focused on the shared values between Lega Serie A and NIAF.

With a community of approximately 18 million Italian Americans and over 41 million Serie A fans in the U.S. (source: Nielsen), this partnership represents a unique opportunity to strengthen transatlantic bonds and promote Italian heritage through the country’s most beloved sport.

(Photo Vito Catalano)

Lega Serie A NIAF