She's a lady: 23-year-old girl becomes president of a football club

Claudia Rizzo, at just 23 years old, has taken the helm as president of Italian club Ternana Calcio, which currently competes in the third division. In doing so, she makes history: no woman in Italy has ever assumed a club presidency at such a young age. Before her, only men had held the position so early in life, with Alessandro Ruggeri taking charge of Atalanta Bergamo in 2008 at just 21.

Rizzo’s appointment comes in the wake of a family investment: her father, entrepreneur Gianluigi Rizzo, purchased Ternana only a month ago. Until now, Claudia had been running the family business, Oro di Sikelia, a Sicilian olive oil production company.

The new role is both historic and high-profile. At her first press conference, Claudia Rizzo described the opportunity as “an honor and a responsibility,” reflecting on her lifelong connection to the club as a fan.

She added: "It's a great responsibility, but also a great opportunity. With experienced staff, I feel much more secure and am convinced that the club will move forward." Veteran football executive Massimo Ferrero will serve as her advisor.

Claudia concluded: “The first task is to build a good connection with the team and the city.”

Fans have been quick to celebrate Rizzo’s rise. She has already been nicknamed “the most glamorous football president in the world.” Ternana Calcio, founded in 1925, boasts a rich history. The club briefly played in Serie A during the 1972/73 and 1974/75 seasons and has spent much of its existence moving between the second and third tiers.

Football roller coaster - from despair to glory

Currently, Ternana sits seventh in Serie C with 10 points from six matches. Among the club’s notable former players is Chilean Luis Jimenez, who joined Inter Milan in 2008 for around 11 million euros and earned 33 international caps.

Now, all eyes are on Claudia Rizzo as she aims to steer Ternana back toward the top of Italian football.