Antonio Di Natale, the former Serie A top scorer, has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career, trading his boots for a presidential role at Donatello, a youth football club in Udine. The man who twice claimed the Capocannoniere title is now imparting his wisdom to the next generation of footballers.
“I see hope in their eyes, and I offer guidance,” Di Natale says of his young charges. His journey from a prolific striker to a mentor exemplifies his commitment to nurturing talent and giving back to the sport that defined his life.
Reflecting on his playing days, Di Natale recalls his humble beginnings: “My first train journey, from Castello di Cisterna to Empoli: alone. I was thirteen years old. I was fortunate to meet men who shaped me – I think of Lorenzo D’Amato first; then Fabrizio Corsi, Giampaolo Pozzo – they allowed me to become what I was.”
When asked about his advice to young players, Di Natale emphasizes authenticity and dedication: “Be who you want to be, avoiding listening – but only in football terms – to family members, because everyone thinks they have a Maradona at home. Have fun, commit yourself, train your talent if you have it, or immerse yourself in hard work: it will do you good.”
Di Natale’s involvement with Donatello began in 2013 when the club faced difficulties. Now, as president, he oversees an organization rich in sentiment, with about 230 young players and a staff of 60. “We are a romantic enterprise,” he says proudly.
The club has a history of producing talent, including players like Meret, Scuffet, Vicario, and Petagna. Di Natale’s approach is hands-off but attentive: “I give a lot of freedom, I intervene if needed. I live in Empoli but every two weeks we have a meeting, we discuss, we verify the needs, the urgencies.”
Despite offers from top clubs at the peak of his career, Di Natale remained loyal to Udinese. “I had just signed a renewal with Udinese and I never had the temptation to betray that agreement with Giampaolo Pozzo. Nor have I ever felt regret for that decision. I wanted to stay in Udine, end my career here. That’s how it went.”
Now, through Donatello, Di Natale finds fulfillment in nurturing young talent: “For a while, I thought about becoming a coach, but 20 years of training camps were more than enough. Then I saw hope in the children’s eyes here. I don’t know what I can give them, if not some advice.”
When asked about his legacy, Di Natale remains humble: “I don’t like to talk about myself. I’m proud to have achieved my goals, I would like it to happen to some of these kids now to feel that sense of fulfillment of having helped them in some way. We adults have a duty to send the right messages.”
Di Natale cites Silvio Baldini as the coach who most influenced his career and names Roberto Baggio as the best player he’s seen. Reflecting on his own achievements, he says, “I think even the exact opposite: I got more than I thought, I think I was lucky, I got in relation to my value and I’m absolutely satisfied.”
As he looks back on his journey from that first train ride at thirteen to his current role, Di Natale remains grateful and forward-looking: “Today, having retired for a while, I tell myself that it went very well, luxuriously. I was in a fantastic football era, I think technically superior to the current one. But don’t write ‘compared to my time it has changed’: they will think I’m an old man and instead I’m a boy who has plunged into this new existence of his, surrounded by children.”
