Fan Club Spotlight: Roma Club Philadelphia

What can you tell the readers about yourself and your role with your Fan Club?

Gigio Longo: “I am a first-generation Italian-American. My father moved to Philadelphia in 1973 from Rome, Italy. Growing up, I lived between the two cultures, going back and forth to Rome.

“I was inspired by many things from these travels, and that moulded me into who I am today. The amazing art and architecture of Rome led me to become an architect and designer, the love for the food of Rome led me and my family to open a Roman-style pizza al taglio place, and my passion for AS Roma and calcio has taken me to become a member, and then part of the leadership, of Roma Club Philadelphia!

“My role with Roma Club Philadelphia is that of Vice President. On match days I host Roma supporters at our home, Gran Caffe L’Aquila on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.

When was your Roma Club Philadelphia formed and what was the idea behind setting up the club?

Longo: “Roma Club Philadelphia was founded in April 2014, by current President Massimo Musumeci. It is the only club for supporters of AS Roma in the Philadelphia area, and is affiliated with the Unione Tifosi Romanisti (UTR).

“Massimo was part of Roma Club New York and when he moved to Philadelphia he realized that support for Roma was not set up here. So he began the club with one of the biggest events we’ve ever had - Roma’s friendly against Inter in Philadelphia in August 2014.”

“Other than that, I like to think of myself as an ambassador for the team, promoting Roma and bringing like-minded Roma supporters together. We recently started a YouTube channel called ‘Roma Club Philadelphia Network’, where we talk about all things Roma. Our take on the channel is that I have the view of an Italian-American from Philadelphia; and my counterpart Gioele, who recently moved here from the Prati neighbourhood of Rome, brings his Romanista perspective!”

What does a normal Roma matchday look like for members of your Fan Club?

Longo: “A normal match day for us feels the same as it would in Rome. We meet at Gran Caffe L’Aquila, which is a very authentic Italian bar/restaurant/cafe. Depending on the time of day, we could be sipping on cappuccinos or Peronis. We hang our Roma flag outside to let people know there’s a match on; however we absolutely welcome all supporters, from all different teams. We love to have a dialogue and learn from other supporters. It’s a fun, welcoming atmosphere.”

Have any members of your Fan Club been over to Rome for a match this season?

Longo: “Yes, plenty of our members have been over, and it’s always exciting for us to get videos and pictures from them. We had several members at the final Europa League match that was played against Gent before the stoppage.”

Can you describe what the football culture looks like in the United States, and how that has impacted the Fan Club?

Longo: “Aside from the World Cup, watching football was incredibly difficult - and Serie A in particular. I would hope and pray that I could find a Roma match on a Saturday or Sunday.

“But now with streaming we get all the games and it’s amazing! In the second half of the 2000s, the Premier League started to seep into the consciousness of American sports fans, and I believe now that Serie A is starting to really have its moment! I think the 2020s will be a huge boom for Italian football in the United States!”

What is your favourite Roma moment since your Fan Club was formed?

Longo: “My favourite Roma moment is a bit of a random one. In 1996, I went to my first match ever - Roma versus Juventus! The crowd was so crazy that I couldn’t even get to my seat, and I had to watch the game from an aisle.

“Juventus were ahead for most of the match but, at death’s door, the 97th minute, Marco Delvecchio scored a stunner to steal a point and a sold-out, maximum capacity Stadio Olimpico went into a roar like I’ve never heard in my life.”

What does it mean for you to be a member of the AS Roma family, especially during this difficult time?

Longo: “It means everything to have this extended family. One of our projects during this difficult time was selling Roma Club Philadelphia social masks for charity.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve noticed how many Romanisti are spread out across the United States, and being able to connect with all of them feels very special.

“We cannot wait to get back to action on June 24th to watch a match together and sip on some Peronis. FORZA ROMA!”

Follow Roma Club Philadelphia on social media...

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram