Giovanni Manna has enjoyed an impressive rise in Italian football, with his time at Juventus playing an important role in shaping his career as a sporting director. He spent several years working at the Turin club, where he learned from experienced directors and developed relationships that have since proved valuable.
His spell at Juventus provided an important education in football management. Working alongside established figures helped him develop the skills and contacts needed to take on greater responsibilities. Napoli recognised his potential and turned to him when Cristiano Giuntoli left the club to join Juventus.
Manna could have become Juventus’ sporting director during that period, but the Bianconeri chose the more experienced Giuntoli instead. Manna subsequently moved to Naples, where he has made a significant contribution to the club’s progress.
Manna reflects on his Juventus experience
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The sporting director helped build a Napoli squad that went on to win the Scudetto, while Giuntoli’s time at Juventus did not deliver the same success. Giuntoli has since left the Bianconeri, whereas Manna continues to establish himself in Naples.
Despite his achievements at Napoli, Manna has not forgotten the years he spent in Turin. He regards that period as a defining stage of his professional development, particularly because of the relationships he built with young players who were growing into senior professionals.
Speaking via [Tuttomercatoweb](https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/manna-la-juve-cambiato-vita-scudetto-napoli-realizzato-2288697), he said:
“It was an experience that changed my life. Working and watching boys of that age grow into men leaves a lasting impression on you. You walk a life path together. I’m very close to these guys, even those who play in Serie B, not just the top ones. In fact, perhaps even more so with the others. It was a top-notch team.”
(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Juventus helped shape his career
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Manna’s comments show how much he values his time at Juventus, where he developed both professionally and personally. His connection with the players he worked with remains strong, even after moving to another club.
His subsequent success at Napoli demonstrates how important that experience was in preparing him for a senior role. Although his career has taken him in a different direction, Juventus remains a significant part of his journey in football.