Italian twins who fell in love with Sunderland make their first visit to the Stadium of Light

‘We wanted to breathe the football air in Sunderland. It’s a magical place’
By Chris Cordner
Published 24th Apr 2024, 10:53 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Two football-loving Italians have had their first experience of Sunderland - and hailed it as ‘magical’.

Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi, from Lumezzane in Brescia, have followed SAFC ever since they took the Black Cats to Europe on the Football Manager game in 2007/2008.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi outside the Stadium of Light.Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi outside the Stadium of Light.
Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi outside the Stadium of Light.

But the twin brothers had never visited Wearside until last weekend - and it didn’t disappoint.

In fact, Gianmarco told the Echo: “We had tears in our eyes. An indescribable emotion.”

A photo to remind them of a special day.A photo to remind them of a special day.
A photo to remind them of a special day.

The Stadium of Light was ‘beautiful’ and the brothers praised the people of Sunderland for their ‘amazing kindness and availability’. Their visit to Wearside included a trip to the Fans Museum, a walk on Roker beach and getting to meet Sunderland ex-footballer Lee Cattermole.

The brothers met Lee Cattermole when they visited the Fans Museum.The brothers met Lee Cattermole when they visited the Fans Museum.
The brothers met Lee Cattermole when they visited the Fans Museum.

They watched the match against Millwall from the North Stand with their own Italian flag and another which read ‘Sunderland Til I Die’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the defeat, they lapped up the whole experience and were ‘the last to leave the stadium.

The brothers with their partners Serena and Laura in Sunderland.The brothers with their partners Serena and Laura in Sunderland.
The brothers with their partners Serena and Laura in Sunderland.

The brothers met Enrico Milani who was the founder of the Black Cats of Italy group who invited them for a drink in the bar.

Gianmarco said: “Despite the defeat, people were celebrating. They were happy and breathed football and passion of Sunderland.” That’s where they had the honour of meeting FA Cup winner Micky Horswill, describing him as a ‘legend!’

SAFC legend Micky Horswill takes time out for a photo with the brothers.SAFC legend Micky Horswill takes time out for a photo with the brothers.
SAFC legend Micky Horswill takes time out for a photo with the brothers.

It’s been a dream come true for the brothers whose first experiences with Sunderland were taking the team to Europe on Football Manager in the eras of Kenwyne Jones, Phil Bardsley, Fabio Borini, Darren Bent and more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Sunderland is magic for football, for cheering, for sport,” said Gianmarco.

“Their colours are now carved in us and we can not wait to be back to cheer in the stands and relive new unforgettable experiences.”

Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi at the Stadium of Light.Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi at the Stadium of Light.
Gianmarco and Matteo Fermi at the Stadium of Light.

“We would like the group "Black Cats of Italy" to expand, to be an Italian point of reference to support Sunderland.” Matteo reflect on an emotional first visit to Wearside and said: “It was a wonderful experience. Sunderland enters your heart!

“Thank you red white people, thank you Sunderland! We can only say: to the next time.

“Haway the Lads, forever”.

Related topics:Sunderland

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.