TERNANA have just become the most popular team in Italy’s third tier and it’s got nothing to do with football.
The Serie C side have appointed 23-year-old billionaire heiress Claudia Rizzo as their new club president, and fans across Europe are suddenly turning into “die-hard Ternana ultras” overnight.
Claudia, daughter of businessman Gianluigi Rizzo, has taken the reins at the historic club now better known for their new boss’s age and the fact that she’s the first female president in their history.
The glamorous Claudia has quickly gained attention for her smile and simply for being so young, yet handed such an influential position.
She takes the reins after her family became the club’s new owners.
Up to now Rizzo had been running the family’s olive oil production plant in Sicily.
And supporters far beyond Italy’s borders are already pledging their loyalty to her.
One fan wrote on Instagram: “Never heard of Ternana before today. I’m now a lifelong supporter.”
Another said: “Ternana fan from today.”
A third joked: “When I was a kid, I always watched Ternana games when my grandmother was watching.”
Photos of her at training and in the boardroom, wearing a stylish black shirt with white stripes and high heels, have gone viral with fans calling her the “world’s most glamorous football president.”
Some supporters are even planning a pilgrimage to Terni just to catch a glimpse of her.
One added: “I don’t speak Italian – but Ternana till I die.”
Ternana currently sit mid-table in Serie C Group B, but with their newfound global following, they might just be the most talked-about team in the division.
She was unveiled to the world’s press by the movie producer Massimo Ferrero who brokered the deal for the Rizzo family to buy the club from the previous owners, the D’Alessandro brothers.
Rizzo said: “I am honored to assume the presidency of a club with such a prestigious history as Ternana Calcio, in the year of its centenary,.
“Our goal is to build a solid, modern, and transparent project that puts people and the values of sport at its centre.
“We will work with determination to restore enthusiasm and pride to all the fans .
“During recent negotiations the opportunity to personally run the club arose.
“I am a huge fan of the club. It’s a difficult task but also a great opportunity.
“I’m supported by people who have already experienced this world. The stadium project is very exciting, for the club and for the city.
“I’ve only seen the team so far on TV. I have been a pentathlon athlete, I have many hobbies, and I am passionate about football.”
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