EXCLUSIVE: Udinese director Nani remembers signing Baggio, discovering Hamsik and more

You were the person who spotted Andrea Pirlo and built a fascinating squad at Brescia in those days...

"Oh, yes. That is precisely where it all began. Back then, we featured Pirlo, Roberto Baggio, Pep Guardiola, Luca Toni, Igli Tare, Daniele Bonera, and numerous others on the same side. We even had a promising young talent arriving from Slovakia: Marek Hamsik. We accomplished excellent work during that period, and I truly relished it."

Do you recall the tale of how Hamsik first came to Brescia?

"Yes. We were observing a youth competition, and he was featuring for the reserve squad of his team.

"I always maintain that identifying a remarkable talent is not solely about possessing unique vision, as when a player stands out, everyone notices. It concerns getting there ahead of the competition. That is the crucial element. That is how the scouting networks at Udinese and Watford function: by planning our journeys to reach prospects first. It occurred with Marek, and it continues with the talents arriving here nowadays via the Pozzo familys scouting setup."

For talents like Hamsik or Pirlo, is it an instant connection, where you immediately sense something extraordinary?

"No, no. At times, you visit to observe a prospect because a contact in your scouting circle alerts you.

"You must recognise that scouting operated entirely differently in the past. These days, tools like Wyscout exist, allowing anyone to view footage from various perspectives globally. Previously, it required investigation and extensive travel. When operating without access to vast funds, creativity becomes essential. All major clubs monitor Under-17 or Under-19 international events and World Cups. To rival them, your choice of competitions and scouting approach must differ."

Regarding teams with limited finances, how did you persuade Baggio and Guardiola to sign with Brescia?

"For Baggio, fortune favoured us. He desired to conclude his career close to his hometown in Vicenza, and Brescia competed in Serie A while Vicenza did not.

"After securing Roberto, matters simplified greatly. This extended to acquiring Pep Guardiola as well. Possessing two world-class stars, even in their later stages, simplifies attracting others. They embodied champion qualities beyond the field too. I recall Pep Guardiola personally transporting youth academy members to sessions in his vehicle. Picture that? Envision an 11-year-old youth in a car alongside Barcelonas former skipper! Remarkable individual!

"The situation mirrors here in Udine. Numerous exceptional talents have progressed through Udinese: Alexis Sanchez, Marcio Amoroso, Samir Handanovic. This past January, we acquired two highly promising youngsters, Juan Arizala and Branimir Mlacic. Both had connections with elite clubs.

"We cannot rival by promising superior salaries, yet aspiring players understand that at Udinese or Watford, genuine opportunities for matches exist. We identify potential, enhance their skills, and frequently, they advance to major outfits. Beneficial for everyone involved."

Has scouting evolved into more of a desk-based role today, or do you continue to attend youth matches in person?

"Observing live reveals temperament and deeper insights. Videos display skill levels, but journeys enable meetings to assess conduct and disposition. Attitude and mindset often outweigh pure technique."

Can you cite an instance of a player whose initial skills were not elite, yet whose determination propelled them to stardom?

"Hamsik qualifies perfectly. Undoubtedly. At age 15, his mindset resembled that of a seasoned 30-year-old. Another example is Mlacic, whom we recently brought in. Though only 18, he possesses the maturity of an adult. His direct gaze and thoughtful inquiries reveal that special quality.

"Conversely, I have welcomed prospects to the facility only to decline afterwards due to their demeanour or interactions with peers."

Securing talent is one aspect, but nurturing them presents distinct challenges. What enables Udinese to cultivate players effectively before transferring them to larger teams?

"I consistently remind my team that responsibilities commence upon signing. Many believe the challenging phase ends with the agreement, yet that marks the start of true oversight and growth.

"Lacking enormous resources means transforming every acquisition into a contributor. Efficiency matters immensely. Errors prove costly. Udinese approaches its 32nd successive season in Serie A. Few rivals achieve that, especially against powerhouses. Precision in every element proves vital."

What advantages do you highlight when negotiating with prospects compared to powerhouses like Inter or AC Milan?

"Opportunities on the field and our legacy.

"Reviewing the roster of talents who have developed here simplifies showcasing our vision. Consider Nicolo Zaniolo: he has featured for Galatasaray, Roma, Atalanta, Aston Villa. He openly stated that Udinese positioned him for peak performance.

"We represent a modest community of 100,000 inhabitants challenging metropolises of five million. Excellence stems from structure: sessions, nutrition, and avoiding injuries. For us, each sidelined player impacts greatly, given our compact roster."

You have operated in elite football for three decades. Do you depend on advanced data analysis and metrics, or prioritise intuition still?

"We manage data diligently, yet individuals like Mr Pozzo, Andrea Carnevale, and I bring three decades of accumulated knowledge. Experience guides us.

"Analytics help construct ideal profiles for roles, targeting precise attributes. However, certain qualities evade numerical evaluation. Marek Hamsiks early figures were minimal since limited playtime existed! There, a scouts intuition proves invaluable."

How extensive is your global scouting network?

"Quality surpasses quantity. I favour a compact team. We exchange intelligence between Udinese and Watford. Occasionally, traits suit English leagues over continental ones, or the reverse. Our select, proficient unit handles all aspects."

In our prior short conversation before this discussion, you noted the collaboration between Udinese and Watford as a significant asset. Why so?

"It represents a complete win-win. A talent like Keinan Davis struggled somewhat at Watford, yet thrives here splendidly. In contrast, prospects such as Mamadou Doumbia or Edoardo Bove excelled more in England. This partnership facilitates optimal growth environments for each."

Is there a particular talent you take special pride in unearthing or nurturing?

"Pride extends to all. From spotting Hamsik at 15 to witnessing Zaniolo revive his career here and express, You restored my path. I collaborate with a superior team. A strong collective outshines any single effort."

Final query, returning to origins. Having known Pep Guardiola as a teammate, did his future coaching prowess seem evident then?

"Certainly. During his Brescia stint, his thinking diverged notably. Immense intellect defined him. His on-pitch awareness showed precognition: prior to touching the ball, he anticipated the subsequent move. He operated ahead mentally. I felt confident he would coach. Perhaps not the global pinnacle, but assuredly in management.

"Additionally, another talent under my watch became an outstanding manager: Roberto De Zerbi. Truthfully, De Zerbi functioned as a creative midfielder, akin to Baggio. Such types often seek possession to dictate personally. Guardiola differed, central and observant of all."

Do you view it as mere chance that numerous top managers originated as central midfielders or creators?

"No, it lacks coincidence, though not an absolute pattern. It hinges on individual intellect. Dino Zoff guarded the goal, Johan Cruyff a forward creator. Yet, as a central figure, constant immersion in action fosters vital perspective."