Franco's Italian Army

Established 40 years ago in the fall of 1972, Franco’s Italian Army was the brainchild of East Liberty bakery owner, Tony Stagno, and his friend and fellow businessman, Al Vento.

As devout football fans throughout the early 1970s, Stagno and Vento set out to recruit an Italian ‘army of support’ for the Steelers to enliven Three Rivers Stadium. Once formed, this cohort of fans rallied behind Franco Harris, the Steelers' rookie fullback who shared their Italian heritage.  Franco's Italian Army was born.

Stationed at the 40 yard-line, Franco's Italian Army quickly became a staple at Three Rivers Stadium. Brandishing Italian flags, the army enjoyed wine, ate homemade Italian food, and deployed a myriad of military maneuvers to intimidate the Steelers’ foes.

Click here to "muster in" at Three Rivers Stadium and learn firsthand about Franco's Italian Army from two of its "generals": Al Vento and Al Vento, Jr.

Franco's Italian Army
Franco's Italian Army