Know What Is Next

How to Build an Addressable Fanbase in Serie A with Sean Foley & Italo Zanzi


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Demonstrable, addressable fanbases are now the foundation of media value, sponsorships, and sustainable revenue.

Sean Foley and Italo Zanzi are here from Hellas Verona FC to outline their competitive DNA in player development and culture designed to be “the club everyone wants to play for.” They highlight a fervent regional base and the importance of aligning the club with civic leaders and a city renowned for its arena, opera season, and visibility tied to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. 

From being early guinea pigs for social platforms at AS Roma to today’s experiments with sponsors and fintech integration, facility upgrades, and a pragmatic view of media economics, Sean and Italo also share how streamers like Netflix, ESPN, and Paramount+ are shaping rights strategies for leagues.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why Verona sees provable, permission-based fan data as the key to unlocking media rights value and attracting serious sponsorships
  • How the club’s identity is shaping player development and off-field culture
  • Verona’s deep integration with Croatian fintech Aircash to co-create stadium and ticketing solutions
  • The unique ways Verona is turning their city’s assets into global growth opportunities
  • Why Netflix’s approach matters for rights holders, and how Verona positions itself amid shifting economics

Resources and Links:

Connect with Sean Foley on LinkedIn

Connect with Italo Zanzi on LinkedIn

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Next League is partnering with Sports Business Journal for the Rising Woman of the Year Award. Nominations are now open! Learn more here.

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Know What Is NextBy Next League

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