Serie A has strengthened its roots in the United States by partnering with the National Italian American Federation.

Italy’s top flight has made no secret of its desire to crack the American market and set up its own offices in New York back in 2022. Since then it has made huge strides, with top-flight Italian matches being aired on national TV through CBS and a deal with Classic Football Shirts allowing US fans access to this season’s kits.

Now they have teamed up with the National Italian American Foundation to further their mission in North America, announcing a partnership that will include advertising and branding rights, as well as a brand new storytelling series, which will highlight the links between US residents with Italian heritage and their historical links to clubs back in Italy.

The organisation’s advertising will appear on American broadcasts of upcoming Coppa Italia and Supercopa Italiana broadcasts.

The NIAF was created in 1975 and bills itself as preserving and promoting Italian American heritage within the United States. It helps members to keep in touch with their roots, acting as a bridge between the US and Italy, while also offering funding for scolarships and helping members with schemes such as discounts on all ITA flights out of the country.

With their latest regional partnership, that bond is set to be strengthened further through the power of calcio.

“Serie A is more than just football — it’s identity, culture, and Italian pride around the world,” said Ezio Simonelli, President of Lega Serie A.

“Through this alliance with NIAF, we celebrate not only our sport, but also the millions of Italian Americans who passionately and proudly keep their heritage alive.”

There is an American Italian community of approximately 18million in the States, with more than 41million residents across the country identifying an affinity with Serie A.

Speaking to Destination Calcio earlier this month, the league’s North America CEO Andy Mitchell explained the pull the league has across the other side of the pond.

“Americans love Italy,” Mitchell said. “I’m one of those Americans who loved Italy before having this job. I travelled a number of times, personally and professionally in Italy. 

“I love Italian food. I love Italian culture. And this is really how we can appeal to Americans that differentiate ourselves.”

Serie A have previously unveiled big ideas to bring those in America closer to the action in Italy, including bringing regular season matches to their own shores.

While it is certainly on the list of initiatives the league are striving for, this is an acceptance that there are a few hurdles yet to clear before the vision comes to fruition.

It would be great for us to have clubs playing on our soil,” Mitchell said.

“We would obviously love to be first but it’s a complicated formula between the home fans and US soccer.

“There’s a lot of different parties to kind of get on board for this.”