Andrea Cicini

Andrea Cicini is an Italian communication strategist, event producer, and sports marketing professional with extensive international experience in integrated communication, tourism promotion, cultural projects, and major sporting events.

He is the Founder and CEO of Gruppo Matches, an integrated communication and event management agency specialized in strategy, branding, digital communication, audiovisual production, and the creation of national and international events across the corporate, sport, culture, tourism, and entertainment sectors. The agency provides full-service solutions including communication strategy, creative development, social media management, PR and media relations, audiovisual production, event design and production, and brand activations.

He spent over 12 years working in China, managing international marketing, communication, tourism promotion, and event projects. During this period he served on the Board of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China and was appointed ANICA Representative for the Italian Film Industry in China and Hong Kong, where he coordinated the bilateral film co-production agreement between Italy and China.

Throughout his career he has coordinated and developed major international projects including the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (RAI studios and logistics), the first “Casa Italia” at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, the Italian Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League Final Milan 2016 for UniCredit, the Shanghai Expo 2010 Italian Pavilion, and the G7 Ministerial Meetings in Italy.

Through Gruppo Matches he collaborates with leading companies and institutions including Ford, Honda Marine, Acea, Saucony, Cisalfa, Quadrifor, UNESCO, the Italian Paralympic Committee, Franco Tucci, and EGO7, developing international communication campaigns, branding strategies, and major events.

The agency also works on tourism promotion projects and international cultural initiatives, including communication activities for the Chinese National Tourism Office in Italy and events aimed at strengthening cultural and tourism relations between Europe and Asia.

Andrea has also developed and produced film and audiovisual projects, including international documentaries and short films such as A Girl Like You, selected in over 50 international film festivals, as well as documentary productions in collaboration with Chinese partners, including The Long March Today.

In 2025, in Gruppo Matches Andrea Cicini launched its film and audiovisual division, GM Production, expanding its activities into cinema and independent productions. The company produced the short films “Quinn”, selected at international festivals including the European Film Festival of Lille and the LGBT+ Film Festival Poland, and “PUCA”, further strengthening the agency’s presence in the international audiovisual sector.

Among the cultural and sport initiatives developed by Gruppo Matches are the Roma Buskers Festival, one of the largest street performance festivals in Italy, the Dolomiti Extreme Trail international race, and the Ostia IN Corto Short Film Festival dedicated to emerging filmmakers.

Andrea is also involved in the management and promotion of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, supporting their communication strategies and partnerships with international brands.

He is fluent in Italian, English, and Mandarin Chinese, and regularly lectures in international Master programs in Communication, Marketing, Sport, Tourism, and Cinema.