Giovanni Manna, Napoli's sporting director, confirmed that his main priority was to bring midfielder Gila to the club, but Milan responded more quickly, blocking the deal. The interview, broadcast on the YouTube channel “Colpi da Maestro”, offered an in-depth look at Manna's work, his previous experiences and key decisions in the Napoli transfer market.
Manna began his career as an amateur player, but his passion for training pushed him to dedicate himself to football in a more professional way. He underlined how managing critical situations, such as Pogba's doping case, always requires clarity and caution, qualities that he tries to maintain despite his impulsive nature. Regarding the latest transfer market, he explained that the club had to respect strict spending parameters, avoiding replacing departed players unless necessary, and preferring more linear paths to avoid unnecessary risks.
The topic of negotiations with Badiashile was central to the conversation. Manna said that, initially, the club had Gila in mind, but Milan responded more quickly, leaving Napoli without the possibility of acquiring him. Subsequently, Buongiorno's breakup pushed the club to look for new talent, and Badiashile was considered an ideal choice due to his physical structure, speed and ability to play in different positions. Chelsea had already recognized his value, but Napoli saw in him a player who could make a significant contribution.
When talking about transfer choices, Manna mentioned the purchase of Favasuli from Serie B, highlighting how the search for players outside the traditional lists has become more difficult. He praised Favasuli's determination and mental maturity, underlining the importance of values such as humility and dedication, which he said are increasingly rare in modern football.
The sporting director also shared his previous experiences, including working with Juventus and managing players such as Lukaku and Hojlund. He recalled the complexity of negotiations and the importance of managing players' salaries and expectations. Manna also spoke about his role in promoting young people, saying that the fear of letting them play is on the decline and that it is crucial to give them opportunities to grow.
Finally, Manna closed the interview by recalling his professional journey, which began with a master's degree in Sports Management and an experience as a team manager in Forlì. He highlighted the importance of a clear vision and a meticulous approach to guiding the club to success, citing winning the league title as an extraordinary achievement. The future of Napoli, according to Manna, will depend on the ability to maintain a balance between the search for emerging talents and the management of contracts and transfers in a strategic way.