In a surprising turn for Italian football, Serie C club Ternana has officially named 23-year-old Claudia Rizzo as its new president.
For the first time in the club’s 100-year history, a woman has taken this role, and notably, Claudia is the daughter of billionaire Gianluigi Rizzo, owner of the Villa Claudia Group. The arrival of this youthful and attractive female president has made Ternana a focal point of attention, not just in Italy but across Europe.
Claudia Rizzo, with her bright smile and trendy style, quickly drew media and fan attention. Photos of her at training grounds or meetings, wearing chic black-and-white shirts and high heels, spread rapidly on social media. Many football supporters, previously unfamiliar with Ternana, now declare themselves "die-hard fans" of the team. One Instagram user commented, "Never knew about Ternana until today, but now I’m a lifelong fan!" Another jokingly said, "As a child, I always watched Ternana with my grandmother." Some have even planned pilgrimages to Terni just to see the young president in person.
Claudia Rizzo becomes the new president of Ternana.
Before becoming Ternana’s president, Claudia managed her family’s olive oil factory in Sicily. Despite her young age, she showed confidence taking over the club during its 100th anniversary year. At her press debut, Claudia stated, "I am honored to be the president of Ternana Calcio, a club with a proud history. Our aim is to build a strong, modern, and transparent project focused on people and sporting values. We will strive to bring pride and excitement to our fans."
This development came after the Rizzo family, via the Villa Claudia Group, purchased shares of Ternana from the D'Alessandro brothers, with support from film producer Massimo Ferrero. Claudia openly shared her love for football, revealing she was once a pentathlon athlete and holds a deep passion for the sport. "I am an avid Ternana supporter. This is a tough challenge but also a wonderful opportunity," she said. Claudia also expressed excitement about the stadium renovation project, promising it will benefit not only the club but the entire city of Terni.