The fifth edition of the “Inside the Sport” award, an initiative by Michele Cutolo and Gianfranco Coppola, is set to take place next Monday at 3 PM in Coverciano. This event gathers key figures from the football world to discuss the sport`s present and future, including the challenges posed by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Hosted at the Italian football headquarters and organized in collaboration by the Movimento Cristiano Lavoratori (MCL) and Unione Stampa Sportiva Italiana (USSI), the ceremony highlights the passion and economic significance of football, emphasizing the importance of people, details, and events within the sport. It also addresses the evolving landscape of sports journalism, focusing on ethics and professionalism.
A host of prominent personalities will be recognized at the event. Awardees include Federico Gatti, who will receive the Sacrifice and Quality Award, and Giovanni Manna, named Best Sporting Director. Career Awards will be presented to legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and esteemed coach Claudio Ranieri. Beppe Marotta will be honored with the Transfer Market Story award.
Further accolades will go to Gianluca Rocchi for his refereeing career, Furio Valcareggi as the Dean of Sports Agents, and Michelangelo Minieri as the Best FIFA Agent 2025. Martin Palumbo will be recognized as the Serie C Emerging Talent. In women`s football, Elena Schiavo and Elisabetta Betty Vignotto will receive Career Awards. The Joe Barone Award will be presented to Rolando Mandragora, while Gian Piero Gasperini will be honored as the Best Serie A Coach.
The event is expected to draw attendance from institutional figures, including representatives from the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) and Lega Pro.
Over its past editions, “Inside the Sport” has established itself as a valuable platform for debate and discussion, promoting balanced and independent sports reporting. It has celebrated numerous figures across coaching, playing, management, and journalism, tackling relevant topics such as the transfer market and the impact of artificial intelligence, contributing positively to the profession and public understanding of the sport.