by EH
Ben Rosenzweig, an American entrepreneur and head of the Lbk Capital fund, took control of the struggling Italian soccer club Triestina Calcio in July 2023. Now, nearly a year into his tenure, Rosenzweig shared his insights and future plans for the club in an interview with Milano Finanza.
Investing in Italian Soccer
Rosenzweig expressed confidence in the potential of Italian soccer, which he believes remains undervalued compared to other major European leagues. “Italian clubs offer institutional investors not only the chance to acquire assets but also the capital to finance growth projects that can create enormous long-term value,” he said.
For Triestina, local authorities have been instrumental. The Municipality and the Region have contributed to modernizing the Nereo Rocco stadium, a facility with significant potential that Rosenzweig aims to further improve. Plans are also underway to collaborate with institutions on a new training center, which will be open to the public.
Choosing Triestina
Rosenzweig’s decision to invest in Triestina came at a critical juncture. “When we took over in July 2023, Triestina was on the brink of bankruptcy,” he noted. The previous management left a deep financial, sporting, and managerial void. Rosenzweig and his team injected nearly 20 million euros in liquidity for the 2023/24 season alone. This financial support has yielded results; the team, which was fighting to avoid relegation to Serie D last year, is now vying for a spot in Serie B.
The Appeal of Trieste
The city of Trieste played a significant role in Rosenzweig’s decision. “Trieste is a fantastic city,” he said. “The Region is incredibly business-friendly, and the geographic location is exactly what we were looking for.” He also praised the Nereo Rocco stadium as one of the best in the country, describing it as a fundamental asset for the community. Rosenzweig is working to secure the stadium’s concession to maximize its potential, envisioning it as a year-round venue for concerts, fairs, and other events.
Assessing the Investment
Reflecting on the investment, Rosenzweig acknowledged the challenges faced at the beginning of the season due to management issues on the field. These problems, he estimated, cost the club around one million euros in lost revenue. However, he emphasized the progress made in partnership with the Region to create a world-class field that benefits the entire city. “In a short time, we have made enormous progress, both on and off the field,” he said.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Rosenzweig highlighted the construction of a new sports center as a key objective. This cutting-edge project will feature multiple full-size fields, a dormitory, and a medical-physiotherapy center, with an estimated investment of 15 million euros. “Our main objective is to foster a lasting bond between the city and the team,” he explained.
Exploring Further Investments
Rosenzweig and his partners are also exploring a range of potential investments in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, particularly in sectors related to real estate, hospitality, and logistics. “We truly believe that the city and the region are well-positioned for long-term success,” he said, expressing eagerness to further contribute as new opportunities arise.
In this interview with Milano Finanza, Rosenzweig’s vision for Triestina Calcio and the broader region reflects a commitment to long-term growth and community engagement, offering a promising future for the storied Italian soccer club.
