Young presidents in Italian football: Rizzo, Zhang and more leading clubs | OneFootball

In Italian football, leading a club at just twenty or thirty years old is not an impossible feat.

“Baby” Presidents of Italian Football: From Claudia Rizzo to Zhang, Young Leaders at the Helm of Clubs

Following the rise of Claudia Rizzo, the 23-year-old president of Ternana, history reminds us of other examples of young entrepreneurs and executives who have made a difference in their organizations.

Claudia Rizzo, the young leader of Ternana

Since the summer of 2025, Claudia Rizzo, born in 2002, has become the president of Ternana, a club recently acquired by the Villa Claudia Group, led by her father Gian Luigi, an entrepreneur in the healthcare sector. In addition to the presidency, Claudia manages the agricultural company “Oro di Sikelia” in Noto, Sicily.

At her official presentation, alongside her were Tiziana Pucci, the club's sole administrator, and Massimo Ferrero, former president of Sampdoria, called in as a consultant for sports development. Claudia stated:

“I want to be a woman of action, not words, and I hope to be an example for many women in sports and life in general. My family is here with a goal, and I will mainly support the team.”

The historic records of young presidents

It is not the first time Italian football has seen young executives in top roles:

Alessandro Ruggeri, in 2008, became the youngest president of Serie A, replacing his father at the helm of Atalanta, remaining in office until 2010.

Umberto Agnelli led Juventus at just 22 years old, from 1955 to 1962, winning three championships and two national cups, with historic signings like John Charles and Omar Sivori. His nephew Andrea Agnelli returned to the presidency in 2010, at 35 years old.

Luca Campedelli, at 23, took over ChievoVerona after his father's death, leading the club to the “Chievo Miracle,” reaching fourth place in Serie A in the 2005/06 season.

Giuseppe Marotta, at just 19, became head of the youth sector of Varese and a year later sports director, starting his climb to clubs like Monza, Como, Sampdoria, Juventus, and Inter.

Steven Zhang, at 37, became the youngest president in Inter's history, leading the Nerazzurri club to two championships (2021 and 2024), two Coppa Italia titles, three Italian Super Cups, and a Champions League final, before the ownership transition to Oaktree in 2024.

Youth, ambition, and innovation: a continuing model

From Claudia Rizzo to Steven Zhang, Italian football demonstrates how young presidents can bring enthusiasm, innovation, and sports results. Whether managing a family club, climbing the executive career ladder, or leading a historic team like Inter, the ability to combine entrepreneurial vision and sports passion remains a common trait.

The journey of these young presidents highlights how Italian football is open to emerging figures, capable of influencing not only the present of their teams but also the managerial culture of the clubs.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.