“From that moment I fell in love with those colours.”
ALESSANDRO LUPELLI
For Alessandro Lupelli, Bari isn’t just a place—it’s a state of mind. Born and raised in the vibrant seaside neighbourhood of Madonella, Alessandro’s connection to his hometown runs deep, even as he navigates the creative hustle of Milan.
Since moving two years ago, this young photographer has taken his passion for storytelling to new heights, blending his love for football and photography into captivating visual narratives.
Throughout our time together, Alessandro shares his journey from snapping pictures as a curious 13-year-old to crafting compelling stories as part of Rivista Undici’s creative team.
He also discusses the inspiration behind his work, his admiration for Bari’s football culture, and his transition into video storytelling.
I FELL IN LOVE WITH THOSE COLOURS
Bari for me is something more than a city and a place to live, I would say “Bari is a state of mind”.
I was born and raised in a popular neighbourhood near the sea, called “Madonella”, I really feel a sense of belongingness and devotion to those streets.
I moved to Milan almost two years ago to study and work in photography: the relationship with my city and her culture has become even deeper since I left.
I’ve always been surrounded by football in my life: on TV, with my family, in the streets with my friends, playing FIFA on the PlayStation.
I remember my first time at “Stadio San Nicola” (the imponent home of Bari’s football team): It was one of the last games in Serie A against Fiorentina. The result doesn’t matter: I have this memory of a huge choreography by the “Curva Nord”, from that moment I fell in love with those colours.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
When I was thirteen years old I started taking pictures of things around me, moved by a big curiosity that still fills me today
Now I love to tell stories in video: it’s a new challenge for me as I’ve always seen life through photography, but I have loved almost becoming a student again.
I find inspiration every day which I use when taking photographs or filming. The real key for me is to love what you do, instead of results or social numbers.
IN BARI NOBODY IS A FOREIGNER
Documenting Bari supporters in stadiums across Italy has been my way of giving back to my city, my community, and perhaps even to people unfamiliar with our passion.
There’s a ’90s slogan that says, “A Bari nessuno è straniero, nemmeno Guerrero,” which means, “In Bari, nobody is a foreigner, not even Guerrero” (a nod to the iconic Colombian forward).
For us, everyone is welcome—in the city and in the stadium. I hope my work helps people get to know us better and fall in love with Bari’s charm and spirit.
My projects with Kappa have deepened my connection to the city even further. Last year, I shot the visual campaign for three Bari shirts, focusing on the city streets and making I Baresi (the people of Bari) the stars of the campaign.
The result was incredible—social media was abuzz with conversations about the project, and even SoccerBible dedicated an article to it!
THIS IS THE NEWEST CHAPTER OF MY LIFE
Going to Milan has been a necessary move to learn and improve my skills in photography.
I’ve studied photography and visual communication over the past two years, and I am now working with Rivista Undici! This is the newest chapter of my life, and surely one of the coolest.
I support the social media and art direction of the magazine, finding unique stories, photographers and portfolios that matter.
I’ve personally worked on some great projects for Undici so far such as C.P. Company and Manchester City’s collaboration. I was also able to attend Bologna’s first-ever game in the Champions League, and I’ll be able to share the story of a very famous red car.
ALL OF OUR THANKS TO THE GENTLEMAN THAT IS ALESSANDRO LUPELLI