One pretty unforgettable summer for Vitto.
Earlier this year, we announced that Vitto was joining the Barbarians Women as the first standalone sponsor for their summer fixture against Wales.
And after spending a week getting to know the team, joining them behind the scenes and culminating in seeing the Vitto logo plastered around the Allianz stadium, we can safely say it was a real highlight of our year.
A ‘match’ made in heaven (and carbs)
From the beginning, our partnership with the Barbarians felt like a natural fit.
The Barbarians have a unique way of doing things, bringing players from different clubs, countries and backgrounds together for just one week, before taking to the pitch as one team. This summer's squad brought together players from across the world, with nine nationalities represented and more than 700 international caps between them.
It echoed the same thing we love about Italian food: bringing people together.
At Vitto, we're big believers in convivialità, the idea that some of life's best moments happen when people gather together, share experiences and enjoy themselves. The Barbarians just do it with tackles not dinner tables…
Behind the scenes with the Baa-Baas
We were lucky enough to spend time with the squad during their training week in London, getting a front-row seat to the famous Barbarians spirit.
There were passing drills. Tackles. Line-outs. Team talks. A lot of running. And a try scored with a packet of pasta…yep, you’ll have to check out our Instagram for that one.
And, thanks to the week coinciding with the hottest day on record in London we decided to forego the pasta making class we had planned, and have a massive water fight instead. Turns out they aren’t just competitive about rugby.
From the training ground to Twickenham
Then came match day.
On 27 June, the Barbarians Women ran out at Allianz Stadium to face Wales, with Vitto proudly adorning those famous black-and-white jerseys.
Seeing our logo on the Barbarians shirts at one of rugby's most iconic stadiums was a rather surreal moment for a brand usually more at home in the pasta aisle.
Sadly, our pre-match carb-loading strategy wasn't quite enough to secure the win, with Wales taking the result on the day. But some things are bigger than the scoreboard.
Being part of a team and tradition like the Barbarians, built around friendship, personality, bringing people together and doing things with a little bit of flair, made this partnership feel very Vitto indeed.
Grazie, Barbarians
Or should we say…Carb-arians.
When we first announced this partnership, we joked that we wouldn't be packing down in a scrum anytime soon. Having seen one up close, we'd like to officially confirm that position. We'll stick to making delicious Italian food. But what a privilege it has been to spend the summer as part of the Barbarians family.
To the players, coaches and everyone behind the scenes: grazie mille for welcoming us into the team, letting us experience the magic of a Barbarians week and giving Vitto its first taste of life on the rugby pitch.
Our jerseys might be going back in the cupboard for now, but the memories certainly aren't.
Pasta, rugby, new friends - not a bad way to spend a summer.
Until next time, Baa-Baas. Buon appetito!
