The Azzurri president in the United States for the premiere of “Ag4ain”: between cinema, football, and the future of the Italian national team, the focus is increasingly overseas
Between Hollywood and football, Aurelio De Laurentiis stepped into the American spotlight. The Napoli president was a leading figure in the United States for the premiere of Ag4ain, the documentary dedicated to the club’s fourth Scudetto, once again confirming the increasingly strong bond between the Partenopei and the American audience.
Speaking from the U.S., De Laurentiis strongly reaffirmed the centrality of the American market: “I’m here because I had promised this American premiere. In the United States there are 15 million Napoli fans—no small number—and there are so many of them in Los Angeles.” A figure that illustrates better than any analysis how Napoli’s brand is growing overseas, also thanks to the president’s international vision.
More broadly, the connection between the many Italians and Italian-Americans living in the U.S. and Serie A remains extremely solid, as shown by the numerous official fan clubs of Italian teams operating across America, and by the passion with which SMIT – Soccer Made in Italy is followed in the States, the football-focused spin-off of ilNewyorkese’s network that brings the stories and voices of Italian football to an English-speaking audience overseas.
It is no coincidence that De Laurentiis’ remarks came from Los Angeles, the heart of the global film industry. The Napoli president, a film producer as well as a football executive, continues to move naturally between the two worlds, using the United States as a strategic bridge.
The decision to present Ag4ain, the film about Napoli’s fourth Scudetto, in America is not merely symbolic but part of a clear expansion strategy: telling the story of Naples and Napoli to a global audience, with particular attention to the Italian community in the U.S. and new American fans.
Among the many guests attending the U.S. premiere of Ag4ain were Academy Award winner Steven Zaillian and Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles. The latter awarded De Laurentiis honorary citizenship, a particularly prestigious and rare recognition.
Important remarks also came from the United States regarding the future of the Italian national team and the possible role of Antonio Conte. De Laurentiis did not rule out the possibility of releasing the coach:
“Conte as the new Italy head coach? If Antonio were to ask me, I think I would say yes. But since he is very intelligent, as long as there is no serious counterpart—and so far there hasn’t been—I believe he would refrain from imagining himself leading something that is completely disorganized.”
Words that, spoken from the United States, carry even more weight at a time when Italian football is seeking renewed international credibility.
The American trip also provided an opportunity for a broader reflection on the Italian football system. De Laurentiis did not mince words:
“I would start again from Giovanni Malagò; he would be perfect first as a commissioner and then as president of a new federation.”
The Napoli owner then went on the offensive regarding the federation’s structure:
“Italian football is Serie A, which is treated like a Cinderella. It only holds 18% within the federation in operational terms. Amateurs and players hold the majority, and that is absurd, considering that without Serie A the federation wouldn’t exist, since we fund it with €130 million per year.”
A critique that also looks at comparisons with more modern models, such as the American one, where sport and business often move in the same direction.
“There are too many roosters crowing in football. The system needs to be reset and aligned with FIFA, UEFA, and Italian politics, because they ask for tickets, they want to be involved, but in terms of positive contribution and change they never bring anything. And that’s not acceptable.”
The message coming from Los Angeles is clear: Napoli aims to become increasingly global, and the United States represents a key step in that journey.
Between fans, cinema, and new commercial opportunities, De Laurentiis continues to build a solid bridge between Naples and America, turning the club into an increasingly recognizable international brand.
All of this comes as Napoli has moved past the negative stretch of the season, when injuries decimated the squad and caused Antonio Conte’s side to lose ground. Now, heading into the final run-in, Napoli is emerging as the only credible challenger to Inter in the Scudetto race.
Until two months ago it seemed impossible, but now Napoli is back in contention, also thanks to last night’s win over AC Milan in the head-to-head clash at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
For now, the Nerazzurri’s lead remains seven points, but Inter’s issues are numerous, and on Sunday they were masked above all by the lackluster display of AS Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, which melted away at the most crucial point of the season.
When Inter face tougher opposition than this Roma—starting as soon as next Sunday’s clash against Como—their points advantage could shrink further… and the Scudetto race could become more thrilling than ever.
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L’articolo Napoli climbed into second place and Aurelio De Laurentiis took center stage in Los Angeles: “There are 15 million Napoli fans in America” proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
