Italian American entrepreneur Matt Rizzetta is once again at the center of discussions about the future of SSC Napoli, one of Italy’s most successful soccer clubs, following a meeting with owner Aurelio De Laurentiis that has renewed attention on potential American investment.
The two executives met at Naples’ Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on October 20 during a Champions League match, followed by a friendly conversation at a city hotel the next day.
Rizzetta, 43, leads Underdog Global Partners, the American investment group that previously supported a reported €2.2 billion ($2.6 billion) proposal to acquire Napoli. Although De Laurentiis rejected that approach, recent reports suggest the club remains valued at no less than €2 billion.
For Rizzetta, the opportunity carries special personal significance. Born and raised in New York, he proudly embraces his Italian American heritage. His maternal grandparents emigrated from Monteleone di Puglia, while his paternal family has Sicilian and Calabrian roots.
His entrepreneurial journey has increasingly connected American capital with Italian sports. Already president of Campobasso FC and Napoli Basket, Rizzetta has demonstrated a commitment to developing clubs, strengthening local communities, and creating international opportunities.
His ambitious vision extends beyond soccer. He hopes to establish a multisport organization inspired by Real Madrid, bringing together basketball, soccer, volleyball, and potentially other disciplines under a unified Naples identity.
Infrastructure development would be central to the project, including improvements to the Maradona Stadium and construction of a modern basketball arena.
Meanwhile, De Laurentiis continues pursuing his own stadium and training facility plans, emphasizing Napoli’s competitiveness domestically and internationally.
No new acquisition agreement has been announced, but the relationship between the two businessmen remains positive.
For the Italian American community, Rizzetta’s growing influence represents another example of how entrepreneurial talent, cultural pride, and transatlantic investment can strengthen the connections between Italy and the United States.
