
Accomplished hip-hop photographer Mel D. Cole was invited to take pictures of AS Roma's match against Napoli. In doing so, the American hoped to better represent black culture within the game.

The trip was in partnership with Black Arrow FC, a brand that focuses on the intersection of soccer and black culture. Together, they hope to attract more black Americans to the sport.

Cole is more used to snapping music's biggest stars, such as Beyonce and Drake. He also captured hip-hop's iconic early years.

The 43-year-old ohotographer was blown away by the passion in and around AS Roma's Stadio Olimpico. He was keen to use his background to highlight black culture on the pitch and in the stands.

Much like photographing musicians on stage, Cole says taking pictures of athletes at the top of their game was an honor and a privilege.

"Opening up AS Roma to the Black Arrow crew has allowed their creative team to tell new stories that approach the club from a completely new perspective," said Mitty Arnold, AS Roma Managing Director, Americas.

Cole also met up with Roma forward Justin Kluivert who posed for a photo shoot at his home.

Cole hopes to continue highlighting football's rich black history and has set-up a branch of his business which focuses solely on the beautiful game -- Charcoal Pitch FC.