Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and the West Haven Italian Heritage Committee will honor the city’s “Mr. Soccer” as the “primo italiano” at the 23rd annual Italian Heritage Celebration. West Haven Youth Soccer League President John Vinci, a proud ambassador of his rich Italian heritage, will receive the Italian American of the Year award at noon Friday at City Hall, 355 Main St. 

The award is bestowed annually on an Italian resident or couple who personifies service in the city’s close-knit Italian American community. Accompanied by Italian music and guided by Rossi, members of the committee and the West Haven Italian American Civic Association will escort Vinci to the steps of City Hall for his special recognition. An Italian-flavored lunch will follow.