Giuseppe Di Cicco didn’t move to New York chasing shortcuts or viral fame. He came to change his life — and decided to document every step of the process.Originally spotted and told by ilNewyorkese, the leading Italian-language newspaper for the Italian community in New York, Di Cicco’s story has now drawn the attention of New York Today as a compelling example of a new generation of Italian creators building their American dream through consistency, resilience, and storytelling.A former delivery rider in Italy, Giuseppe arrived in New York with little more than savings, a camera, and a clear intention: resist, adapt, and start over. What began as a temporary stay quickly evolved into a long-term personal and professional journey — one shared openly with an ever-growing online community.
Looking for an Opportunity, Not a Shortcut
“I was looking for an opportunity,” Di Cicco explains. “I had been a rider in Italy for five years, but I wanted to change my life. Content creation was my real passion.”
His original plan was modest: spend two or three months in New York, film content for YouTube, and return to Italy. During that first stay, he began interviewing Italians living in the city, exploring Harlem and the Bronx, and publishing short-form videos on Instagram and TikTok — sharing practical tips on where to eat, walk, and watch the sunset in New York.“The response was immediate,” he says. “People connected with it. An audience started forming naturally.”
Funding the Dream Through Sacrifice
There were no sponsors or shortcuts at the beginning. Giuseppe funded his first trip entirely on savings from his work in Italy.“I put aside everything I could and invested it all in those first three months.”When the money ran out, he returned to Italy — but the idea of New York never left him. Determined to try again, he spent three months working in Malta, saving every possible euro, before booking another flight to the U.S.
Discovering America — and Choosing New York
On his second trip, Giuseppe expanded his journey beyond New York.
“I stayed five days in New York and then traveled for almost twenty days — Chicago, Texas, New Mexico, through central America. When I came back to New York, I knew I wanted to stay longer.”That decision marked a turning point. Shortly after, he began collaborating with Outpost, a New York–based housing company.“They allow me to live in their homes in exchange for video content. Not having to pay rent changes everything — it removes a lot of anxiety and lets me focus on my work.”
A Community Built on Honesty
What sets Di Cicco apart is not just the city he films, but the way he tells his story.
“I was honest from the start. I said: I want to stop being a rider, go to America, and change my life.”He openly shares the difficulties — paperwork issues, financial pressure, loneliness — along with small victories. That transparency has created a strong bond with his audience.“People didn’t follow me just for New York. They followed the journey.”Despite growing support, Giuseppe made a clear choice early on: no donations.“I always refused them. There are more important causes. I wanted to do this with my own strength, and people respected that.”
Why New York?
“The first time I was here only three days,” he recalls, “and I immediately felt that this city runs at my pace.”“In Naples, I felt too fast compared to everything around me. Here, I feel aligned.”
The Next Step: Building a Bridge Between Italy and New York
For Di Cicco, the dream doesn’t stop with personal success. His next goal is connection.“Many people write to me because they want a more authentic, less touristy experience of New York.”He is now working with Italian agencies to create alternative travel experiences — bike rides through Central Park and Harlem, Yankees games, rooftop evenings — not traditional tours, but shared experiences.“And I want to do the opposite too,” he adds. “Bring Americans to Italy.”
The Hardest Moment
The most difficult phase came after his first return to Italy.“Going to Malta felt like a step back. There was a lot of criticism, and for a moment I thought New York was just a temporary dream.”Instead of giving up, he worked day and night to save again and try once more.“The hardest part is the personal sacrifice. I don’t go out much, I sleep very little, I work constantly. And I miss my family.”
A Lesson for Brands and Creators
According to Di Cicco, many companies and individuals still misunderstand social media. “They don’t really know the tools, so they don’t see the potential.” For him, the key isn’t motivation — it’s consistency.“Motivation ends. Consistency doesn’t. For a year I published six or seven videos a day.” “There’s no fixed rule,” he adds. “What matters is how you tell things. Storytelling is everything.”
His New York, Off the Beaten Path
Three lesser-known places he loves:
- Weehawken, New Jersey, for one of the most stunning skyline views of Manhattan
- DUMBO, near the sports fields facing the skyline
- Greenpoint, which he calls “unexpectedly unforgettable”
When it comes to skyscrapers, though, he remains classic:
“Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building are unbeatable.”
Five Years From Now
“This experience taught me that everything is possible,” Di Cicco says. “In five years, I see myself as a reference point for Italians in New York. With humility — but also with the ambition to truly be part of this city.”
