In the annals of Italian football, few figures cast a shadow as distinct and vibrant as Franco Scoglio. Known affectionately as `Il Professore` (The Professor), Scoglio was more than just a coach; he was a phenomenon, a walking lexicon of unconventional wisdom and an embodiment of visceral passion. This year, as the football world quietly marks two decades since his dramatic passing, his legacy endures, illuminated by the fond, almost reverent, recollections of his son, Tobias.
A Lexicon All His Own: The Professore`s Unorthodox Wisdom
Scoglio did not merely coach football; he redefined its vocabulary. His press conferences were less tactical briefings and more theatrical performances, punctuated by aphorisms that could be both profound and utterly perplexing. He eschewed poetic flourish for pragmatic directness, declaring, “I don`t make poetry, I verticalize.” When exasperated, he`d famously caution, “You, back there, stop it. Otherwise, I`ll speak ad minchiam” – a phrase that defies polite translation but perfectly captured his no-nonsense candor.
Yet, beneath the colorful rhetoric lay a coach of formidable intelligence and an almost obsessive dedication. He famously declared his disdain for Sampdoria, Genoa`s bitter rivals, at every opportunity, embodying the spirit of the `Derby della Lanterna` with a theatrical flair. Such pronouncements, while shocking to some, cemented his status as a true original, a man who lived and breathed the raw, unfiltered emotion of the game.
The Prophecy Fulfilled: A Dramatic Farewell
The circumstances of Scoglio`s death on October 3, 2005, remain etched in the memory of Italian football fans. It was a moment of eerie prescience, fulfilling a prophecy he had made years prior: “I will die speaking of Genoa.” True to his word, Scoglio was struck by a cardiac arrest during a live television debate with Enrico Preziosi, then-president of Genoa. The discussion, though animated, was civil. A sudden gesture, a tilt of the head, and `Il Professore` was gone, leaving a stunned studio audience and an enduring legend.
For his son, Tobias, a German resident and the most fervent football enthusiast among Scoglio`s four children, the images of that night were initially a “horror film.” He revisited them countless times, slowly coming to terms with the public nature of his father`s final moments. Tobias recalls the images weren`t perfectly clear, making it seem as if his father had simply drifted off. Despite his initial desire to have the footage removed from the internet, he understood the futility of such a battle. Scoglio`s exit, dramatic and emblematic, had already become part of football folklore.
Genoa: A Love Affair Beyond Reason
Scoglio`s career saw him traverse many clubs, but his heart belonged unequivocally to Genoa CFC. Tobias reminisces about the thrill when his father would call, hinting at a new coaching gig: “Hold on, I have a surprise for you…” The greatest surprise, invariably, was another stint on the Genoa bench. This wasn`t merely a job; it was a calling.
His dedication was so profound that it often superseded personal gain. In 2001, he famously departed Genoa, forfeiting a substantial portion of his salary—a gesture almost unthinkable in modern football. “He didn`t work for money, but for passion,” Tobias explains, highlighting a philosophy that set Scoglio apart. When his relationship with Genoa ended, the separation would devastate him, a stark contrast to his pragmatic approach with other clubs.
Rejecting Giants for the Griffin
Scoglio`s prowess was not unnoticed by Italian football`s elite. He was courted by both Juventus and Diego Maradona`s Napoli. However, twists of fate and the decisions of powerful figures like Montezemolo and Moggi meant these opportunities never materialized. While Scoglio publicly downplayed any regret, Tobias admits his father privately considered declining Spinelli`s offer to stay at Genoa – leading to the club`s subsequent European qualification under Bagnoli – as “the biggest mistake of his career.”
Perhaps the most extraordinary testament to his loyalty came in January 2002. With Genoa languishing near the bottom of Serie B, Scoglio made an unthinkable choice: he abandoned his post as manager of the Tunisian national team, who were already qualified for the World Cup in Japan and Korea, to return to save Genoa. He convinced himself he could do both, but Tunisian officials understandably took offense. Yet, Scoglio`s priority was clear. He saved Genoa, even winning a derby, demonstrating a profound bond that transcended global ambitions.
A Legacy Verticalized: Scoglio`s Enduring Impact
The “Professore” left behind more than just cult phrases; he bequeathed a philosophy rooted in dedication, authenticity, and an unyielding connection to the game`s emotional core. Tobias, who named his own son Francesco Scoglio Jr., strives to instill the same values his legendary grandfather would have imparted. He particularly favors Scoglio`s pragmatic mantra, “I don`t make poetry, I verticalize,” applying it even to his son`s budding football aspirations.
Today, as Genoa navigates the complexities of modern football, one can`t help but wonder if the club, or indeed the sport, could benefit from a figure like Franco Scoglio. Tobias certainly thinks so, confidently stating his father would perform better than current coaches, embodying a self-assuredness that defined `Il Professore`. In an era increasingly dominated by analytics and corporate strategy, Scoglio`s passionate, direct, and profoundly human approach stands as a powerful reminder of football`s soul. His legacy is not merely a collection of anecdotes but a verticalized truth – a direct, impactful line from a man who loved the game, and especially Genoa, with every fiber of his being.
Wesley Dunham