Italy might not have qualified for the World Cup, but that hasn't stopped Macclesfield's top football club from making an Italian-English signing.

Macclesfield FC have joined forces with the historic The Silk Road furniture store Arighi Bianchi.

Some might say it's a match made in heaven as two of Macclesfield's most iconic and best loved brands Arighi Bianchi and Macclesfield FC kick-off a new three-year partnership.

Furniture and furnishings retailer Arighi Bianchi, who's famous five-floor store has been in the town for more than 160 years, is supporting the burgeoning club with a branding deal that includes billboard and digital advertising in and around the stadium.  

founded in 1854 by Italian immigrants Antonio Arighi and Antonio Bianchi, the shop is a Grade II* Listed building.

Nick Bianchi was invited to be an Ambassador of Macclesfield FC as it re-emerged under the ownership of Rob Smethurst and supervision of Robbie Savage two years ago.

The football club also used Arighi's new interior design service earlier in the year, for the decoration of their new club room and reception.

Commenting on the new partnership, Nick Bianchi said: "While our family business has supported the club for many years, I personally have been a longstanding club ambassador and Macclesfield FC fan [previously Macclesfield Town]. 

The two parties have worked closely together. Macclesfield FC were one the first customers of their new interior design service, launched in February 2022.

"I'm extremely proud to be extending the relationship between Arighi and Macclesfield FC as the club continues to prosper – not only down to the strength of both the men's and women's first team success, but as an organisation that's nurturing youngsters through its Junior Academy. The club is doing a brilliant job to inspire and train new talent aiming for careers on the pitch. 

"Macclesfield FC is a huge part of our local community and has been on a tremendous journey over the past couple of years thanks to Rob, Robbie and the whole team that give their all to put Macclesfield FC on the map. As the place for people to achieve their interior goals in the area, we are of course the ideal partner! 

"We're extremely excited by this new partnership and look forward to celebrating with the club as it continues to go from strength to strength."

Max Bardsley-Rowe, Macclesfield FC Commercial and Sponsorship manager, said: "Everyone at Macclesfield FC is delighted that we have been able to secure this poignant sponsorship deal with Arighi Bianchi.

The Silkmen's forward James Berry-McNally celebrates the club's title victory earlier in the year. They are set to win silverware again if they keep up their current first place position in the league. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"As an historic and prestigious part of the Macclesfield fabric, we are truly humbled that Arighi Bianchi have joined our encapsulating journey.

"Not only that, but it is fantastic that we have been able to negotiate a three-season partnership which will see Arighi Bianchi's iconic brand at the very centre of our Club.

"I would like to reserve special thanks for Director Nick Bianchi, who has not only been instrumental in this deal – but also has blue blood running through his veins.

"I can't wait to see this incredible partnership flourish over the course of the next three seasons."

Other Macclesfield FC sponsors include Macclesfield Specsavers and Wilmslow's Key and Eagle Digital. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Arighi Bianchi's iconic branding will feature outside the ground with billboards on the front strip of the stadium's main entrance as well as on the club's digital interview board and website." 

To mark the new coalition, Lucy Mather, Fran Black and Nick Bianchi of Arighi Bianchi posed for photos on the Leasing.com Stadium pitch with Macclesfield FC Director of Football Robbie Savage and Max Bardsley-Rowe.

Macclesfield: For more information about Arighi Bianchi please visit www.arighibianchi.co.uk.

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