Twenty years have passed since the football world lost one of its most unique and passionate figures, Franco Scoglio. Known affectionately as `The Professor,` Scoglio`s life culminated in a dramatic, almost theatrical, exit – a live television broadcast where, true to his own prophecy, he passed away while passionately discussing the club that held his heart, Genoa. His son, Tobias Scoglio, now reflects on a legacy built on unwavering dedication, unconventional wisdom, and a love for football that transcended mere sport.
A Prophet and a Performer
October 3, 2005. The scene was a television studio, the topic: Genoa. Franco Scoglio, ever the animated orator, was engaged in a lively debate with then-Genoa president Enrico Preziosi. Suddenly, a gesture, a tilt of the head, and the screen went black for many who revered him. It was an ending eerily foretold by Scoglio himself years prior: «I will die talking about Genoa.» The prophecy wasn`t merely fulfilled; it was etched into the annals of football history as a testament to his profound connection with the Rossoblù.
Scoglio wasn`t just a coach; he was a character, a philosopher of the pitch whose vocabulary was as distinctive as his tactical approach. He famously declared,
«I don`t make poetry, I verticalize.»
This phrase perfectly encapsulated his no-nonsense, direct football philosophy. He wasn`t afraid to speak his mind, often with a raw honesty that startled and amused. His legendary disdain for rival Sampdoria, articulated with unreserved passion, or his paradoxical joy in defeat –
«What pleasure when I lose»
– showcased a man utterly authentic, refusing to conform to the blandishments of modern football parlance.
Genoa: A Love Affair Beyond Reason
For Franco Scoglio, Genoa wasn`t just another club; it was an obsession, a visceral part of his being. His son, Tobias, one of four children, inherited his father’s profound love for the game and recounts the depth of this attachment. «Of all the children, I was always the most football-crazy,» Tobias shares, highlighting his personal sacrifices, like traveling 850 kilometers from Kaiserslautern to Genoa just to watch his father coach. He recalls his father`s excited calls before returning to Genoa`s bench: «Hold on tight, I have a surprise for you…» The surprise, Tobias notes, was invariably the Grifone`s dugout.
This devotion came at a cost. Scoglio`s departures from Genoa were agonizing. He «anguished, tormented, utterly devastated,» as Tobias describes. His coaching wasn`t a profession for financial gain but a pure, unadulterated passion. In 2001, he famously walked away from a significant portion of his salary, leaving it with the club. A peculiar act, perhaps, but one that underscored his commitment: for Genoa, he would sacrifice; for other teams, he would, quite rightly, demand his full dues. His passion was so profound that Tobias chose to name his own son, Francesco Scoglio Jr., carrying forward a legacy intimately tied to the Red and Blues.
Sacrifice, Study, and Missed Opportunities
The extent of Scoglio’s dedication is perhaps best illustrated by his remarkable decision to forsake a place at the 2002 World Cup. As coach of the Tunisian national team, which had already qualified for the prestigious tournament, Scoglio abandoned the international stage to return to a struggling Genoa, languishing at the bottom of Serie B. He believed he could save Genoa and still make it to Japan and Korea. While the Tunisian officials, understandably offended by the dual commitment, ensured that wasn`t to be, Scoglio did indeed save Genoa, even winning a pivotal derby. Tobias posits that had his father started the season, Genoa would have been promoted to Serie A.
Despite his unique approach and undeniable charisma, Scoglio`s career also featured tantalizing «what-ifs.» He was courted by giants like Juventus, then under Montezemolo, and Diego Maradona`s Napoli, with Moggi at the helm. Yet, fate, or perhaps the cautious nature of institutional football, intervened. Montezemolo opted for Maifredi, and Moggi retained Bigon. Tobias reveals that his father considered not staying on with Genoa for another season (under President Spinelli) to be the greatest regret of his career – an admission he`d only make in the privacy of his home.
The Professor`s Enduring Whisper
Today, as Genoa navigates its own challenges, Tobias Scoglio firmly believes his father`s presence would be a game-changer. «I am sure my father would do better than Vieira,» he states, echoing the unshakeable confidence that defined Franco. While acknowledging the difficulties of a team that sells without adequate replacements, Tobias remains convinced of his father`s ability to save Genoa «tranquilly.»
Franco Scoglio’s legacy transcends mere wins and losses. He left behind a vivid tapestry of wit, wisdom, and an almost sacred bond with the game. His iconic quotes, his late-night tactical musings (Tobias once found him at 4 AM, poring over formations before a derby, debating «whether to play Giacchetta or Malagò further forward. Or maybe Ruotolo…»), and his dramatic departure, all contribute to the legend of a man who lived and died for football, and for Genoa. Twenty years on, `The Professor` continues to resonate, a reminder that sometimes, the most effective approach isn`t poetry, but simply to verticalize – with unwavering passion.
Elton Marrow