Two decades have passed since Italian football lost one of its most colourful and unconventional characters, Franco Scoglio. On October 3, 2005, the man affectionately known as `The Professor` collapsed live on television, precisely as he had once predicted, while passionately discussing Genoa CFC. His son, Tobias, offers a poignant look back at a life defined by tactical genius, uncompromising dedication, and an almost sacred devotion to his beloved Grifone.
The Professor`s Unique Curriculum
Franco Scoglio wasn`t just a football coach; he was a phenomenon. He didn`t merely manage teams; he curated a personal lexicon for the sport, delivering unforgettable, often irreverent, soundbites that became part of the Italian footballing consciousness. “I don`t make poetry, I verticalize,” he famously declared, cutting through tactical jargon with pragmatic clarity. Or, perhaps more bluntly, “You, back there, stop it. Otherwise, I`ll talk ad minchiam.” His public disdain for local rivals Sampdoria was legendary, often punctuated with, “I hate Sampdoria and I never miss an opportunity to reiterate it.” This was a man of principles, however idiosyncratic, whose dedication was absolute. He famously quipped, “What a thrill when I lose,” a statement that, coming from Scoglio, felt less like masochism and more like an acknowledgment of the raw, unpredictable nature of the game he adored.
A Love Affair Etched in Crimson and Blue
While Scoglio`s coaching journey took him to many clubs, his heart belonged unequivocally to Genoa. His son, Tobias, the most football-mad of Scoglio’s four children, recounts how a call from Genoa was always the “biggest surprise.” The gravitational pull of the Grifone was such that, whenever the relationship soured, Scoglio would descend into a profound anguish. “He became distressed, afflicted, truly devastated,” Tobias recalls, highlighting his father`s unwavering commitment. This wasn`t a mercenary`s pursuit; it was a pure, unadulterated passion. In 2001, for instance, Scoglio left Genoa, forfeiting a significant portion of his salary—a gesture unthinkable for most, yet entirely characteristic of a man who worked not for money, but for the badge.
His obsession extended to the minutiae of the game. Tobias recounts a pre-derby night in April 2001, waking at 4 AM to find his father poring over tactical boards, mumbling to himself about player placements, oblivious to his son`s presence. It was this singular focus that led Tobias to name his own son, Francesco Scoglio Jr., ensuring the legacy of the `Professor` endures.
The World Cup Sacrifice: Genoa Over Global Glory
Perhaps the most compelling testament to Scoglio`s devotion came in January 2002. Then coach of the Tunisian national team, which had already qualified for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he made an astonishing decision. Genoa was languishing second-to-last in Serie B, facing relegation. The city`s siren call proved irresistible. Despite Tunisia playing well, Scoglio abandoned the prospect of a World Cup campaign to return to his beloved Genoa. He effectively managed the team from afar initially, before taking the reins fully. While his ambitious plan to save Genoa and then return for the World Cup was thwarted by offended Tunisian officials, he magnificently rescued the Grifone, even securing a vital derby win. Tobias is convinced that had his father started the season, Genoa would have been promoted to Serie A.
The Roads Not Taken and a Lingering Regret
Such was Scoglio`s reputation that even football giants like Juventus and Napoli sought his services. Tobias reveals that his father was courted by Juventus after Montezemolo replaced Boniperti, but the job ultimately went to Maifredi. Similarly, Moggi considered him for Napoli, a club then graced by Maradona, before opting to retain Bigon. These were colossal opportunities, yet Scoglio`s path often deviated towards the call of his heart. Ironically, his biggest professional regret, Tobias admits, was turning down an offer to stay with Genoa, only to see the team achieve European qualification the following year under Bagnoli. A man who refused a World Cup for Genoa, only to regret not staying when glory was within reach – a beautifully human paradox.
An Enduring Legacy and a Future Hope
Twenty years may have passed, but Franco Scoglio`s presence looms large over Italian football, particularly in Genoa. His cult quotes, like “I don`t make poetry, I verticalize,” remain indelible. When asked if Genoa could use a `Professor` today, Tobias is unequivocal: “I`m sure my father would do better than Vieira… Scoglio would save Genoa easily.” It’s a bold claim, perhaps, but one rooted in the memory of a man whose confidence, tactical acumen, and fierce devotion transcended mere coaching. Franco Scoglio was a force of nature, a visionary whose dramatic exit only cemented his legendary status, forever linking his name with the club he loved more than life itself.
