Originally from Catania but now residing in Rome, Biagio Privitera, or `Biapri` as he`s widely known, is a retired former manager who now dedicates his time to following Inter wherever they play, including here in America.
No Inter fan (`nerazzurro`) could fail to recognize that friendly smile behind sometimes misted-up glasses, or his knack for pulling out his phone to film what`s happening around him with uncommon humanity and a reporter`s spirit. Whether it`s an Inter player or executive, accustomed to a selfie with him outside hotels, or simply a fan active on social media, everyone knows Biagio Privitera, known simply as `Biapri`, thanks to his successful online accounts. Born in Catania in 1958, living in Rome, a successful former manager now retired, he is the greatest globetrotting Inter supporter. There isn`t a city in Italy, Europe, and now the world where Inter plays that he doesn`t also arrive to cheer (and film). In fact, he often goes further, following the Primavera (youth team) and the Inter Women`s team as well, just to add a few extra trips. Given these premises, Biagio couldn`t miss a trip to the United States for this first historic Club World Cup.
Belli de Roma (Beauties of Rome)
Here in Seattle, and also in Los Angeles, the `nerazzurri` presence is truly sparse, especially compared to the waves of rival fans. The distance doesn`t help, nor does the post-Munich depression, so only a few have traveled from Italy, while it was easier for Inter fans already residing in the United States to come here. Every rule, however, is broken by Biagio`s boundless passion. He is regularly in his spot in Seattle after an intercontinental flight from Rome. `I also represent my Inter Club, the `Belli de Roma` (`Beauties of Rome`), which is the largest in the world by number of members. The guys coached by Chivu need to know that we will never abandon them, especially me,` he says now.
Around the World
Privitera will turn 67 in October, and in his first life, always with strong black and blue hues, he spent 38 years as a manager at Procter & Gamble (P&G), a large American multinational that produces and markets a wide range of consumer goods. He worked in 5 different countries: first Italy, then 14 years abroad, including three and a half in Russia, three and a half in France, five in London, and two in Geneva. Then in 2010 came the Roman quiet and… Inter. `Since returning to Italy, I`ve been able to start following my favorite team almost always, everywhere. To tell the truth, even before, I often traveled back and forth…`, Privitera continues.
With almost 50,000 followers on Instagram and another 20,000 on YouTube, he has created a colorful and helpful community around himself. He provides support for any need to traveling fans and even at San Siro, documents every single step of his thousand `nerazzurri` trips, and creates long videos. `Always with a smile, respecting other fan bases and supporting our boys. I can`t stand those who bring negativity to the team. Right now, for example, it`s only time to support Chivu…`, he adds. Many, however, support him. Walking the streets of Seattle, he was stopped by some American, Canadian, and even Asian followers. His way of supporting has gone far beyond just the black and blue colors. Almost no one, however, can beat his loyalty records. This season alone, always starting from Rome, Biapri has traveled 65,000 kilometers, always and only to follow Inter. To put it in perspective, the circumference of the Earth is about 40,000 kilometers.
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