A Familiar Turf, A New Challenge
Mantovani`s return to the Brescia region, where Lumezzane is situated, is more than just a geographical convenience; it`s a homecoming. His earlier tenure at Brescia Calcio, a period he fondly recalls as the “Baggio and Guardiola era,” was foundational. It was during this time that he honed a critical philosophy: one of meticulous scouting to identify young talents, nurturing them, and ultimately, ensuring their successful onward transfer. This cyclical approach of talent acquisition and development has long been a hallmark of shrewd club management, and Mantovani proved adept at it.
The Scout`s Eye: Hits, and a Glimpse of What Could Have Been
Among his numerous successes, Mantovani singles out the acquisition of Marek Hamsik for Brescia as his proudest achievement. Hamsik, of course, went on to become a Napoli legend, a testament to Mantovani`s early assessment. Yet, every seasoned scout has their tale of “the one that got away.” For Mantovani, that unfulfilled prospect was none other than future Chelsea and Arsenal star Jorginho. He recounts a moment when, at just seventeen, Jorginho was a prime candidate for Brescia`s Primavera (youth) squad. In a decision that football historians might label as a missed opportunity of epic proportions, the club, after internal deliberation, opted for a Slovakian goalkeeper instead. One can almost detect a wry smile in Mantovani’s voice as he laments, “I would have taken Jorginho.“
The Napoli Chapter: Two Eras of Elite Football
Mantovani`s journey continued with two significant stints at SSC Napoli, from 2010 to 2015 and again from 2018 until last July. These periods, he notes, represented two distinct phases in Napoli`s evolution. The first era, featuring iconic figures like Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and a burgeoning Hamsik under coaches like Rafa Benítez, saw the club operate within specific financial parameters, carefully selecting players that fit a defined profile. The second chapter, however, witnessed Napoli transform into a genuine Champions League contender, attracting top-tier talent and consistently challenging at the summit of Italian football. His time there spanned the tenures of illustrious coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Gennaro Gattuso, and Luciano Spalletti, culminating in the club’s return to glory with a Scudetto.
A notable anecdote from his Napoli days involves the pivotal signing of Victor Osimhen. Mantovani reveals that it was a collaborative effort with coach Gattuso, who specifically sought a fast central striker. Mantovani, having previously scouted Osimhen during an Ajax-Lille match (initially for other targets like Tagliafico and Mazraoui), promptly identified him as the ideal profile. This insight underscores his value in translating tactical needs into concrete player acquisitions.
The Lumezzane Vision: Ambition from the Ground Up
So, why Lumezzane, a club currently navigating the complexities of Serie C? Mantovani`s decision, despite having contact with higher-division clubs, stems from the ambitious vision presented by Patron Camozzi. The president`s desire to establish a structure capable of embracing “ambitious and international projects” resonated deeply. For Mantovani, it`s not merely about the league division but the underlying philosophy and potential for growth. His deep connections within the Brescia entrepreneurial and journalistic circles, coupled with the palpable enthusiasm of the club, made the offer compelling. The objective, he states, is a methodical one: “to improve in small steps,” gradually integrating “higher-level footballers” into the squad.
A New Chapter for a Football Maestro
Leonardo Mantovani`s move to Lumezzane is more than just a job change; it’s a strategic deployment of decades of elite football experience into a project that values long-term growth over immediate glamour. With a proven track record of identifying and nurturing world-class talent, and a philosophy forged at the highest levels of the game, Mantovani is poised to mold Lumezzane into a formidable force. His presence serves as a compelling narrative for how profound expertise, even when seemingly operating below its traditional station, can ignite significant transformation. Football, after all, is a game of strategy, and Mantovani appears to be playing the long game, with Lumezzane as his next intriguing move.
