In a league often dominated by financial might and grand pronouncements, Giovanni Carnevali, the astute CEO of Sassuolo, offers a refreshing dose of pragmatism, ambition, and a touch of nostalgic critique. Recently, his candid remarks shed light not just on his club`s trajectory but on the very soul of modern Italian football.
The Underdog`s Gaze: Unimpressed by Giants
Speaking at a prominent industry event, Carnevali`s observations cut through the usual platitudes that often accompany discussions about Serie A`s top contenders. When asked about titans like Napoli and Inter Milan, two clubs brimming with talent and historical weight, his response was notably measured, almost disarmingly so:
“Napoli has strong players, but they haven`t impressed me that much. Inter also has strong players, but at this moment, neither of them has truly left a lasting impression on me.”
This isn`t merely a dismissal; it`s a strategic undercutting of perceived invincibility, a subtle declaration that Sassuolo, despite its comparatively smaller stature, isn`t intimidated by the sheer reputational force of the league`s heavyweights. It speaks volumes about the competitive spirit Carnevali fosters – a belief that even the Davids of the league can challenge the Goliaths, provided they build smartly and play with conviction. It`s a statement that combines objective assessment with a manager`s inherent desire to disrupt the established hierarchy.
The Enduring Flame: Domenico Berardi, A Rare Breed
In an era where player loyalty often seems to be an anomaly, Domenico Berardi stands as a testament to a different ethos, largely thanks to Carnevali`s shrewd stewardship. The Sassuolo CEO spoke with palpable pride about his captain, presenting him as a rare commodity in contemporary football:
“He`s a beautiful example, one of the few flag-bearers left in these years. There were requests for him, a negotiation with Juventus, but he preferred to stay here because he had the dream of playing in the Europa League. He then led the team in Serie B, had a contract until 2027, and we extended it for another two seasons. For the future, we`ll see, but there`s a beautiful relationship.”
This narrative transcends mere contract extensions; it highlights a mutual respect and a shared vision that keeps a top-tier talent anchored to a club that, while ambitious, doesn`t operate on the same gargantuan financial scale as Europe`s elite. Berardi`s commitment is a powerful symbol of Sassuolo`s identity, and Carnevali clearly recognizes its intrinsic value, both on the pitch as a leader and off it as a brand ambassador for loyalty and long-term planning.
Building for Tomorrow: Patience Amidst Flux
Sassuolo`s recent performance against Inter, a narrow defeat, left Carnevali with a mix of regret and realistic optimism. He acknowledged the team`s ongoing evolution and the inherent challenges of the modern transfer window:
“Yes, because we could have drawn. We always want to bring home a positive result, and having played a good game, there isn`t too much regret. We are still under construction; many players arrived in the final hours of the transfer market. In the first two match days, we didn`t have the full squad. A transfer market with such long timings hasn`t brought benefits, but we are confident for the upcoming matches. We`ve changed a lot, and Grosso also needs time.”
This statement offers a pragmatic glimpse into the operational realities of a club like Sassuolo. The transfer market, with its prolonged drama and last-minute deals, presents unique challenges in squad cohesion. Yet, Carnevali`s message is clear: patience is paramount. The long-term vision takes precedence over immediate, potentially fleeting, gains. It`s a testament to a technical approach to team building, acknowledging that organic growth requires both strategic acquisitions and the necessary incubation period for new talent and managerial philosophies to coalesce. It`s an understanding that a truly effective team is built, not merely assembled.
A Tactical Jest and a Nod to Structure
Returning to the Inter match, Carnevali offered a playful jab regarding their new coach, Cristian Chivu, subtly hinting at Sassuolo`s competitive edge:
“I don`t think it`s a risk for Inter; there`s a club and there`s Beppe Marotta, who is the most skilled director. With such a club behind you, you can afford a coach who doesn`t have great experience, but Chivu is a prepared and studious young man. I consider him an excellent coach; the important thing is that the club works well and protects him. If the game had lasted a few more minutes, we might have played a trick on Inter…”
Here, Carnevali displays a nuanced understanding of footballing ecosystems. He recognizes that a strong, well-managed club structure, exemplified by seasoned figures like Beppe Marotta, can effectively mitigate risks associated with less experienced coaches. It`s a technical observation about organizational strength, delivered with a competitive flourish that hints at Sassuolo`s own aspiration to disrupt the established order. The “trick” comment is pure footballing banter, underscoring the narrow margins at the elite level and Sassuolo`s belief in their capabilities.
The Soul of Football: Funds vs. Heart
Perhaps Carnevali`s most poignant remarks touched upon the changing nature of football itself, particularly the pervasive rise of investment funds and their impact on the sport`s identity:
“They work less with the heart and more with other interests. The era of the Morattis, the Berlusconis, the Sensis was the most beautiful football. I don`t know if it will ever be as beautiful as before; we also have to pay attention to all the changes. For example, I don`t like the referee talking on the field; it`s useless and wastes time. I don`t think it`s a good thing.”
This is where Carnevali, the astute CEO, transitions into Carnevali, the football purist. His lament about the shift from passionate, often idiosyncratic, club owners to faceless financial entities resonates deeply with many fans. It`s a critical, yet not entirely dismissive, take on the modernization of the sport. His aversion to on-field referee communication isn`t just a trivial complaint; it`s presented as a symptom of a broader issue: how “improvements” can sometimes inadvertently dilute the essence of the game, adding unnecessary clutter and detracting from the flow and raw emotion that once defined it. The subtle irony, of course, is that Sassuolo itself must deftly navigate this new financial landscape, balancing ambition with the increasingly complex commercial imperatives of the sport while striving to retain its core values.
Carnevali`s Legacy: A Pragmatist with a Poetic Core
Giovanni Carnevali`s insights offer a rare blend of hard-nosed business acumen and a genuine love for the game`s intrinsic values. His vision for Sassuolo is clear: build sustainably, nurture talent, and compete fiercely, all while maintaining a keen awareness of football`s evolving identity. In a world increasingly driven by metrics and mergers, Carnevali reminds us that the heart of the game—loyalty, passion, and the thrill of the unexpected—still holds immeasurable value. His voice is a crucial counterpoint, advocating for a football that is both commercially viable and profoundly human.