A Historic Collaboration Celebrating NIAF’s 50th Anniversary
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will host its annual New York Gala on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the prestigious Cipriani 42nd Street. The event will honor outstanding Italian and Italian American leaders and mark a historic milestone for the organization.
In celebration of NIAF’s 50th anniversary, the Foundation is proud to announce an unprecedented partnership with Lega Serie A, making NIAF an official “Regional Partner” of Italy’s top professional soccer league in the United States for the next year. This collaboration represents a significant achievement in NIAF’s mission to strengthen cultural and business ties between Italy and the Italian American community, while expanding the visibility and relevance of Italian heritage across the U.S.
A Landmark Partnership Connecting Italian Americans and Serie A
As part of this agreement, NIAF will gain exclusive rights to use the Lega Serie A brand and benefit from significant TV visibility, including LED and advertising during the North American broadcast feed of the Coppa Italia Final and the Supercoppa Italiana.
The partnership will also introduce “Curva Americana, Presented by NIAF,” a digital content series that will showcase the passion of Italian American fans for Serie A and how their heritage shapes their connection to their favorite clubs.
Additionally, the collaboration includes special activations featuring Serie A legends, trophies, banners, giveaways, and a dedicated video celebrating the shared values of NIAF and Serie A. NIAF members will also have access to exclusive match tickets and official team merchandise.
Strengthening Italian American Identity Through Sport
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as NIAF celebrates 50 years of serving as the leading organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian American heritage. With approximately 18 million Italian Americans in the U.S. and a Serie A fanbase of 41 million people in the United States (according to Nielsen data), this collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity to deepen the connection between the Italian American community and Italy’s most celebrated sport.
UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 8PM ET – APRIL 10, 2025
Through this agreement, NIAF and Lega Serie A will amplify cultural ties, foster cross-border engagement, and create new opportunities to bring Italy’s footballing tradition closer to millions of Americans who share a passion for calcio and their Italian roots.
2025 NIAF New York Gala Honorees
The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 7:30 p.m. The Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, will also join this prestigious gathering. This year’s honorees, who will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Award for outstanding achievements in their respective fields, include:
• Claudio DeVellis, Partner, PwC
• Carl E. Petrillo, Chairman, Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc.
• Sal Paolantonio, ESPN National Correspondent
• Marco Troncone, CEO, Aeroporti di Roma
Additionally, Lorraine Grillo, CEO, Bradford Construction Corp. of New York / A Company of BRAVO Group, will receive the esteemed 2025 Mario Cuomo Public Service Award, presented by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
This celebrated event is made possible by Paramount Sponsor Aeroporti di Roma, a Mundys Group company. NIAF is honored to feature Lazio as its 2025 Region of Honor, with Lazio’s President Francesco Rocca in attendance.
The gala will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies Joe Piscopo, NIAF Celebrity Ambassador, entertainer, and radio host. The evening will also feature performances by Vanessa Racci, NY Jazz and Cabaret Singer, and Christopher Macchio, International Classical-Crossover Vocalist, who will perform the Italian and American national anthems.
