“Congratulations to a Columbia Lion.” 

From earning a mathematics degree in New York and taking his first steps as a player on the university campus, to becoming the manager of an outsider team that captured a trophy in Spain. These were the congratulations sent to Pellegrino Matarazzo by Fiorentina President Giuseppe B. Commisso, who, like his father, was educated at Columbia University and is proud that the coach’s journey also began there before leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey title.

The achievement was also celebrated across the university’s social media channels and official media. 

Columbia plays its home matches at the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium and on the official website (full article link here), it was highlighted that Pellegrino Matarazzo, who graduated in mathematics in 1999, made sports history by becoming the first U.S.-born manager to win a trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

"Pellegrino Matarazzo's victory is a moment of pride for Columbia, for American soccer, and for the Italian-American community," said Giuseppe B. Commisso, President of ACF Fiorentina and son of the late Rocco B. Commisso. "As the son of Italian immigrants, his journey reflects the power of perseverance, discipline, and belief in opportunity. From the classrooms of Columbia as a mathematics graduate to the pitch as a two-time All-Ivy League player, and now to the pinnacle of European football, his path is both exceptional and inspiring, defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. By leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey, becoming the first American coach to win a major trophy in one of Europe's top five football countries, he has not only made history, but has also opened doors for future generations. His achievement honors his family, his heritage, and his alma mater, and stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent meets determination."

Matarazzo himself also emphasized how his formative years at Columbia profoundly shaped his path: “My time at Columbia was incredibly formative, both on and off the field,” added Matarazzo. “Being part of the men’s soccer program challenged me to grow in a demanding and competitive environment while balancing top-level academics.”