Vincenzo Grella, Vice President and CEO of Catania, a club co-owned with Perth Glory by entrepreneur Ross Pelligra, discusses the upcoming Milan-Como match scheduled for February in his native Australia. He also highlights Catania`s grand ambitions: `We are working to return to Serie A.`
The Milan-Como match, scheduled for February 7 or 8, 2026, in Perth, holds special significance for Vincenzo Grella, Vice President and CEO of Catania. Grella, who was born in Melbourne, will likely watch the game from Perth Stadium with an interest that extends beyond mere football observation. For him, this match intertwines his Australian roots, his professional commitment with the Italian-Australian entrepreneur Rosario Pelligra (owner of both Catania and Perth Glory through the Pelligra Group, a construction and real estate giant since 2022), and his long-standing admiration for Milan, a club that has always captivated the former Empoli and Parma player. Grella, who maintains constant communication between Pelligra`s two clubs, explains the anticipated atmosphere for Milan and the aspirations of Catania, which is determined to reach Serie A and once again challenge Italian football giants, an objective pursued even before the club`s bankruptcy.
Grella, let`s start with your appointment as Catania`s vice president. How did it all begin?
“I met Mark Bresciano, an Australian like myself, when we played together at Empoli. Bresciano is a business partner and friend of President Pelligra, who, before the opportunity to acquire Catania arose, was exploring the possibility of buying a club in northern Italy. I then proposed to Pelligra and Bresciano that they should focus on Catania, which had, at that point, gone bankrupt. Given the Pelligra family`s very Sicilian origins, between the provinces of Catania and Syracuse, the operation seemed appealing from the outset. Despite having to start from Serie D, there was a chance to build from scratch, relying on a significant and passionate fan base that the city of Catania guarantees. I was convinced that there were all the right conditions for successful work.”
And what happened next?
“After two weeks of thoroughly studying the club`s situation and finances, Pelligra came to Italy and finalized the acquisition within just 24 hours. Initially, the club`s financial condition was challenging, with many expenses to face. At the same time, we had a crucial sporting objective: to bring Catania back to professional football. From that day on, we have continued to work diligently with the unwavering goal of restoring the club to its rightful place, Serie A.”
The first season brought immediate promotion from Serie D to Serie C, but then two consecutive playoff disappointments followed.
“In football, success demands quality, perseverance, and stability. When there are ups and downs, the journey becomes more difficult. However, month after month, the club has steadily improved its structure, thanks to the addition of key figures like Alessandro Zarbano (formerly of Genoa) in administration and human resources, and Giuseppe Sapienza (formerly of Inter, Milan, and Genoa) in communications. We have also strengthened our medical staff and athlete recovery department. A year ago, we didn`t have the strength we possess now; currently, I daily interact with important professionals who are passionate and know how to operate in the football world. I am very confident about the future: once we start, nothing will stop us… or at least I hope so (smiles). The president, who has suffered greatly in the last two years, deserves this. We will strive to repay his sacrifices by winning the league. I know well what saying this entails, but it was our objective at the beginning of the season and remains our current goal. We are aiming for Serie B and to reacquire the Torre del Grifo sports center, for which we have already submitted a letter of interest; in October, we will find out if anyone else, perhaps not primarily involved in football, intends to compete.”
After eight matchdays, Catania stands third in Serie C Group C, trailing Salernitana and Benevento. This sets up an intriguing battle among three former Serie A clubs. What kind of championship do you foresee?
“`How many adjectives can I use? I would say just one: extremely complex. But we are in contention and intend to stay in the top positions until the end. There are also other very strong teams, including the two Calabrian ones. No other league in Italy is so fiercely contested and uncertain. Every match will be a real battle. The city, the fans, and the united red-and-blue environment will give us extra strength. Conversely, we risk dispersing energy and weakening ourselves.`”
You were recently appointed to the Lega Pro board of directors. What contribution do you intend to make in this role?
“`First, I want to thank President Matteo Marani and the directors of the other clubs who nominated me for this important role. I will strive to work together with everyone to develop, also from a managerial perspective, Lega Pro`s projects aimed at the general improvement of the leagues, both in terms of organization and in the growth of revenues and facilities.`”
Returning to Australia, specifically Perth: how is the Pelligra Group`s project developing?
“`We are undertaking extensive work. The area around Perth is immense, and our focus is on affiliating other clubs. Things are progressing well, with young athletes even driving two hours every day to attend training. We have also developed training centers linked to Perth Glory, a project that required a significant investment. Pelligra undertook this because he believes in developing youth academies and talented young players: it will take 3-5 years to see the results, but they will come.`”
How would you describe the Australian league?
“`The Australian league is a physical and growing competition. There, much like in America`s MLS, you buy a franchise and there`s no relegation. The foundations have been laid for a high-level football project.`”
Now Milan will return to Perth after last July`s experience. What kind of reception do you anticipate?
“`Many Rossoneri fans will arrive from cities several hours away by plane because Milan is very much loved in Australia. You will see a magnificent crowd, and Milan-Como will become a historic event that will be remembered for years to come. This is also because President Pelligra is receiving hundreds of ticket requests from China, Indonesia, and New Zealand, as well as from Eastern Australia where the largest cities are concentrated. Let`s not forget that Como`s ownership is very strong and has a significant following in the East.`”
You`ve been a Milan fan since childhood and even had the chance to challenge them in Serie A as a player.
“`I`ve always cheered for the Rossoneri. I was fascinated by Berlusconi, his way of managing the club, of buying the best players around. I used to wake up at 3 AM in Melbourne to watch Milan`s matches, and as a young fan, I experienced great satisfaction. Then, when I came to Italy and played against Milan at San Siro… It`s even difficult to explain what I felt.`”
Who were your idols?
“`I was fixated on Franco Baresi, who always gave me the impression of playing with effortless ease, but George Weah was also an absolute star.`”
Which Milan team holds your fondest memories?
“`The 1998-99 Milan team, which, under Zaccheroni, won an incredible Scudetto. I hope the same happens this year with Allegri as coach: they have chosen one of the best possible coaches, and his results speak for themselves. I am also pleased with the summer arrival of Tare, a well-prepared sporting director whom I know and respect.`”
