Having recently taken a majority ownership share of A.C. Reggiana 1919 — an Italian soccer team competing in Lega Pro, the third division of Italian soccer — Mike Piazza has strengthened and empowered ties between America and Italy with his investment and contribution to sports abroad. At the press conference, Italian American icon Piazza said: “I think it’s important for the fans to know the business of the club and the foundation for the foreseeable future will be very stable. But more importantly we have to develop and grow the youth academy, the relationships with sponsors in the region, and eventually grow the brand internationally. Obviously in the United States with my involvement, I want to market the team slowly understanding it’s a step-by-step (process). We need to build strategic partnerships by fielding a very competitive team.” 

Mike, accompanied by his lovely wife–Alicia and beautiful daughters–Nicoletta and Paulina along with Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Miami president Gianluca Fontani, reunited with Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball Academy director Bill Holmberg and his wife in celebration of “Piazza Day” on June 18 in Reggio-Emilia. Thousands of hardcore A.C. Reggiana tifosi gathered to commemorate the new partnership which many believe to be the catalyst to bring the former first-tier Italian soccer squad back to its premier elite status under current club chairman Stefano Compagni. Piazza said, “I plan on spending a lot of time here. We’re going to have a great future. We will try to build the team with sound management and discipline. We have big dreams. Forza Reggiana!” 

Had an amazing day meeting the fans of @AC_Reggiana1919 in #reggioemilia , Thank you for welcoming me into your family, forward together!

— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) June 18, 2016