Many Americans have pursued the lucrative potential of European soccer clubs through equity stakes in recent years. Matt Rizzetta joined that growing group Friday morning, announcing the purchase of an ownership stake in Italian Serie D (fourth-tier) club SS Campobasso. But Rizzetta, founding partner of family office holding company North Sixth Group, was drawn to the club for an additional reason: his grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S., are from the Campobasso area. “In a way, this enables me to relive my childhood and to stay connected to my grandparents who made incredible sacrifices to enable me to achieve my dreams,” said Rizzetta, who previously ran a public relations firm.
Serie A clubs including Fiorentina, AS Roma and Parma have been purchased by American investors in recent years. Rizzetta’s North Sixth Group joins Halley Holding, a Swiss-based hedge fund, as joint owners of Campobasso. Rizzetta becomes the first non-Italian born owner in Campobasso’s history. Global investment firm Starboard Capital Chair Mario Gesue brokered the transaction, which is expected to close by Dec. 31, 2020. The club also appointed N.Y.-based soccer exec Nicola Cirrincione to oversee the club’s affairs in the American market.
