The president of Campobasso Football Club, Matt Rizzetta, just hours before the global announcement of the release of the TV series about the story of the Wolves, writes: “Today we announced a global TV series with The Walt Disney Company & ESPN, but let me tell you how it all started…

Five years ago I stepped foot in Campobasso, Italy, for the first time. I had worked really hard over the prior decade and I was ready to challenge myself with a new adventure and commit the rest of my career to projects I was passionate about. I don’t play golf, I never liked country clubs, and even though it sounds pathetic, my greatest hobby was working. So I decided to combine my work with my passion — family, culture, Italy, sports, underdogs.

That is when my love affair with Campobasso began. I was enamored with the idea of investing in the region of Italy they say doesn’t exist, and using football as a vehicle to put the region on the map. In the people of Campobasso I saw my grandparents and so many people from all backgrounds who identify with hard work; sacrifice and overcoming odds.

I never imagined this project would take me to the places it has over the years — most importantly, it has been a great lesson that has taught me never to be afraid to reinvent yourself no matter how established you might be on your path.

I had no experience in sports ownership, I had never run a business overseas, and I knew nothing about managing a football club.

We made mistakes along the way, but a few years later, we have two championships under our belt, we have brought life back to a region of Italy that gets overlooked by its tourist-friendly neighbors, and as of this morning, thanks to our friends at The Walt Disney Company & ESPN, we are one of two teams in the world to have a network TV series.

First episode of “Running with the Wolves” airs in prime time on July 29 at 7 PM ET on ESPN taking you behind the scenes of the fairytale that has been the Campobasso Wolves.

Thanks to Kelly & Mark and everyone who has been a part of this project and believed…you know who you are.

Keep believing, keep reinventing, keep learning”.