In the demanding world of Italian football, where careers are often measured by trophies and transfer market coups, Giorgio Perinetti stands as a figure of remarkable longevity and profound personal depth. With over fifty years dedicated to the beautiful game, he has witnessed its evolution firsthand, navigated its volatile currents, and shaped its narrative from behind the scenes. Yet, beneath the seasoned executive`s exterior lies a story of immense personal loss and a quietly fervent mission to turn tragedy into a beacon of hope.
A Father`s Unending Grief: The Silent Battle Against Anorexia
Perinetti`s life, a tapestry woven with professional triumphs and the relentless pursuit of footballing excellence, was tragically marred by the loss of his wife, followed by the even more devastating blow of his daughter, Emanuela, succumbing to anorexia. This insidious illness, often shrouded in silence and misunderstanding, left a void that no professional success could ever fill.
“Surviving a child is unnatural; losing her in this way was devastating. I have to thank Chiara [his other daughter] for giving me strength. We are just the two of us now. Every time we meet, long silences begin. Moments where we intensely relive the memory of the people we have lost.”
His raw, unyielding guilt is palpable. “A parent gives themselves a thousand faults, asks a thousand questions, cannot find answers,” he reflects, his voice tinged with the weight of uncomprehended signals. Emanuela`s requests to “invent something together,” which he once perceived as trivial, now haunt him as desperate cries for help he tragically missed. This agonizing self-reproach fueled his decision to write “Quello che non ho visto arrivare” (What I Didn`t See Coming), a book not for catharsis alone, but as a direct appeal for awareness.
The book’s impact was immediate and deeply personal. Perinetti recounts a doctor sharing Emanuela`s story with another patient struggling with anorexia, which ultimately convinced her to seek hospitalization. This anecdote underscores the profound power of shared experience and Perinetti`s unwavering commitment to preventing similar tragedies.
Football: A Demanding Balm for the Soul
In the wake of such profound losses, one might expect a retreat from public life. For Perinetti, however, football became a necessary, albeit demanding, form of solace. The relentless pace, the strategic demands, the constant need for focus—all provided a vital distraction. “It`s necessary to keep the mind occupied,” he states simply, revealing a pragmatic approach to grief that channels immense emotional pain into professional dedication, keeping him tethered to the structured reality of the game.
A Storied Career: From Herrera to Ancelotti`s Irony
Perinetti`s journey through Italian football reads like a historical chronicle. His career kicked off unexpectedly with the legendary Helenio Herrera at Roma, a youthful birthday wish granted that saw him unexpectedly on the bench. His academic past is equally unconventional, having shared classrooms with future cinematic icons Carlo Verdone and Christian De Sica. He fondly recalls countless pranks with Verdone, moments that momentarily pull him back to a lighter, carefree era before the weight of professional and personal responsibilities took hold.
His role demanded more than just tactical acumen; it often called for immense personal strength. He recalls the somber task of informing Diego Maradona of his cocaine ban at Napoli, witnessing the raw, physical pain that crossed the football icon`s face—a memory indelibly etched in his mind. Later, during a Champions League match with Juventus against Olympiacos, a humorous mix-up with Carlo Ancelotti saw him inadvertently delay a substitution. Ancelotti, fuming at the time over the tactical oversight, watched as the player Perinetti “held back”—Antonio Conte—scored the crucial equalizer. “Ah Carlé, I told you to wait!” he recalls playfully telling a bewildered Ancelotti, turning a moment of tension into an ironic triumph of timing.
Mentors, Discoveries, and Enduring Lessons
Perinetti also prides himself on identifying talent, not just on the pitch, but in the dugout. He brought Sven-Göran Eriksson to Italy, a move that predated the Swede`s more famous successes with Lazio, laying the groundwork for his Italian career. And he saw the “predestined” coaching potential in Antonio Conte even during his playing days at Juventus, noting the formidable character and leadership that set him apart from star-studded teammates like Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps.
His career, like any long journey, has been punctuated by peaks and valleys. The Coppa Italia victory with Roma under Eriksson remains his deepest professional joy. Conversely, an early career Scudetto loss to Juventus due to a home defeat against Lecce stands as his greatest disappointment. Yet, even in defeat, Perinetti finds wisdom: “It`s a defeat that taught me more than any victory,” a sentiment that echoes the profound lessons he has learned both on and off the pitch.
Giorgio Perinetti`s story is a compelling testament to the human spirit`s capacity for resilience. He is a man who has lived a life of extraordinary contrasts: the public glory and tactical intricacies of elite football juxtaposed with the quiet agony of personal tragedy. His decision to share Emanuela`s story is not merely an act of remembrance but a potent call to action, transforming his profound sorrow into a vital force for good, a testament to an enduring legacy far beyond the football pitch.
