Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna shared his insights at the Social Football Summit 2024 in Rome, an international event dedicated to the football industry. Manna touched on various topics, including the current Serie A season, his role as a young director, and Napoli’s unique approach to player management.
On the current Serie A campaign, Manna stated, “The championship is long. We know where we started from and we’re trying to return to what De Laurentiis’ Napoli has been. We’re focused on that.”
Addressing his youth in the role, Manna said, “It doesn’t bother me to hear that I’m young. At the beginning, however, it brings complications because you find yourself talking to people you admired on TV. I have a slightly different profile, also because I’m not a man who has played. Today, however, our role is changing.”
Regarding the concept of a second team, Manna expressed caution: “The second team? It’s complicated. The second team is certainly something that shouldn’t be an end in itself. There’s a longer and more expensive process behind it.”
On the use of algorithms in football, Manna shared a balanced view: “I think they are a support. Numbers help you but they can’t decide for you. I’m a romantic; I still believe that scouting is based on going to see a player.”
Manna also discussed Napoli’s unique approach to image rights: “This is the first year I’ve had to think about this thing; in some cases I forgot. I first convince the player and then we smooth out the details.”
Speaking about the atmosphere in Naples, Manna said, “As I often say, it’s important to stay focused on the moments of the season. You have to stay lucid both in negative and positive moments. It’s a warm city that is really giving us a lot; I didn’t expect it.”
On the expectations following last season’s success, Manna added, “The expectation is high because two years ago we won a championship. At this moment we are not thinking about that goal. We must remain focused.”
Regarding his experience working with De Laurentiis and the choice of Antonio Conte as manager, Manna concluded, “My experience now is extremely positive. De Laurentiis has a certain type of depth. From the outside I was worried but I can say that I’m happy. He let us work. The choice of the coach was fundamental. I’m 36 years old and it helped me to have a coach like that. I can say without shame that he was a coach also taken to protect me.”
