GREEN BAY – If you were at Lambeau Field in November for the Green Bay Packers-Carolina Panthers game, you might have seen four people displaying a green, white and red flag.
The four had traveled from Milan, Italy, to see the Packers play.
Longtime fans Alberto Lerario, his wife Ilaria Beraldo, and their close friend Francesco Cappellotto began planning their trip six years ago but postponed it until Lerario and Beraldo’s son was old enough for international travel.
Cappellotto wanted to see Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers play and told his friends if they didn’t come with him this year, he would make the trip alone.
Lerario and Beraldo agreed to go, and tickets for the game were purchased as soon as they became available.
The group arrived in Chicago Nov. 8 and drove to Green Bay the next day.
After spending time in the Packers Pro Shop, they met with several members of Club ItaloAmericano of Greater Green Bay at Sammy’s Pizza for dinner.
All three adults spoke English well, but club members made the effort to speak to them in Italian, too.
When asked why the group wanted to see Green Bay play, Cappellotto said when he learned about American football, he chose to follow the Packers because they were “the people’s team.”
The Italian visitors attended the Event USA pre-game tailgate party hosted by Antonio Freeman Nov. 10 before finding their seats in Lambeau.
In addition to the game, the four also enjoyed the US Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team jump and other Veterans Day activities.
They were treated to the full Green Bay experience in the 24-16 victory in the snow.
After leaving Green Bay, the group spent a day in Milwaukee and several days in Chicago.
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