“He has the stigmata of a great leader” says those who know him. Why Giovanni Manna he’s someone who doesn’t speak much, but lights up when it comes to football. True passion, which became a job in 2013 in Forlì in Lega Pro. It was the first time as a protagonist on the pitch. But it was the first time for a sporting intuition of Lorenzo Pedroni. Today he works in engines, but ten years ago it was he who gave the future sporting director of Napoli his first real opportunity.
Where did you meet?
«I had attended a master’s degree a few years before him but I had remained in contact with them».
Where did the choice of the “unknown” Manna come from?
«I worked for Forlì, we were in the Lega Pro, his personality had emerged from that year. We made selections because we needed to include new figures and with him the choice was easy.”
Why?
«You could tell at first glance that he would go far. He had stigmata for this job.”
What role did he play?
«With us he was team manager, he loved the pitch. But clearly his market instinct was already there.”
How was he received in society?
«He knew how to make space for himself despite the limits that necessarily had to be imposed. He was hungry, with the right intuition to catch the best.”
It only lasted a year, though.
«It was inevitable, but we formed a good relationship. We still feel in touch today, as we have always done in these years of his experiences first abroad and then at Juventus.”
He was not surprised by his arrival in black and white, therefore.
“Absolutely not. Someone who puts in his commitment, his passion and his skills can get to have chances like that of Juventus.”
And now Napoli is coming?
«I hope to fill the role of sporting director immediately».
Some among the fans still have some doubts given his young age and lack of experience.
«What doubts can there be? He wasn’t naive years ago. If we add that Juventus has experience at the base between Paratici and Giuntoli…”.
Manna’s best qualities?
«A lot of research, many footballers seen around, the ever-present idea of sustainable football for the clubs he works for».
An episode that you still cherish with pleasure?
«His celebrations. Composed and immoderate at the same time. He only loses his composure after a goal, but it’s a matter of seconds. Then he rediscovers his education.”
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