The Stand, Together Without Borders: An Italian Heart Beats for BG Tampines Rovers

Football is a universal language. Whether it’s the roar of a packed San Siro in Milan or the familiar chants at Our Tampines Hub, passion for the game connects people across continents. In this new series, The Stand, Together Without Borders, we shine a spotlight on fans from around the world who have found their way to BG Tampines Rovers and made the Stags part of their football journey.

Our first stop takes us to Italy, where we meet a Milan supporter who also proudly cheers for Tampines.

A Journey of Football Devotion

For Fabio Preti, football weekends in Italy are sacred.

“A Milan game is a sacred moment of the week for me. We leave by bus with my group, and we go to the Curva Sud. It’s a three hour trip each way, but we do it just for the game and to share the day together. Every matchday takes up the whole day, but it’s an incredible moment!”

The Curva Sud is where his football passion was forged – a place where commitment to the game means long journeys, lifelong friendships, and a fierce loyalty to AC Milan. Yet on a holiday in Singapore, that passion took an unexpected new direction.

The Birth of a Stags Supporter

“I was in Singapore on vacation, so I immediately looked up which teams were playing that day. There were two games, and I chose to see the (Eastern) Derby. I chose Tampines!”

What started as curiosity became something more - a connection with the Stags that stayed with him even after returning to Italy.

Players Who Left a Mark

During that first matchday in Singapore, it was our long serving custodian and Club Captain Syazwan Buhari who caught his attention - a player he later learned also represented the Singapore national team. Another name struck a personal chord too: Trent Buhagiar - a recent signing who once played in Italy for Brescia in Serie B and who has impressed since signing for the Stags.

“He didn’t have much luck in Italy, but he definitely has my sympathy. Brescia fans are twinned with Milan fans, so it was an easy choice for me.”

Stadiums, Cultures, and Contrasts

Supporting clubs across two continents has given him a unique perspective on football culture.

“The stadium in Tampines is very new and welcoming. In Italy, the stadiums are larger, but often older. In Singapore, football feels like a pleasant pastime – the stadium is quiet, safe, and even located in a shopping centre, which makes it a jewel for the neighbourhood. In Italy, football is more like a religion – and sometimes, unfortunately, that leads to violence because of excessive passion.”

It’s a stark contrast, but also a reminder of how the game adapts to its environment while still inspiring loyalty from fans worldwide.

Hopes for the Season

Though thousands of miles away, his heart still follows the Stags’ fortunes.

“I will definitely follow from afar. I hope they can win the (domestic) championship, even though the recent champions - Lion City Sailors - are a very strong team. It would be great if they could also advance in the (continental) Cup (competitions) - they’ve had a very positive start! And who knows? With the new Club World Cup, maybe one day we’ll get to see AC Milan vs. Tampines Rovers. That would be epic!”

A Global Family of Stags

From the Curva Sud in Milan to Our Tampines Hub, football continues to bridge cultures and communities. This Italian fan’s story is a reminder that The Stand reaches far beyond Singapore - united by love for the game, and by the belief that BG Tampines Rovers can inspire across borders.