Manolo Gabbiadini’s sister – Italy women’s star Melania – explained why he chose Napoli and how he can succeed there.
They are the only brother and sister pair of star strikers in Italy, so Melania hopes her little sibling can follow in her footsteps.
“I took him to training the first time, as I am seven years older,” she told Il Mattino newspaper.
“Now he is about to make the big step up. I’ve won four Scudetto titles though, so now it’s his turn to get started.”
Manolo Gabbiadini’s sister – Italy women’s star Melania – explained why he chose Napoli and how he can succeed there.
They are the only brother and sister pair of star strikers in Italy, so Melania hopes her little sibling can follow in her footsteps.
“I took him to training the first time, as I am seven years older,” she told Il Mattino newspaper.
“Now he is about to make the big step up. I’ve won four Scudetto titles though, so now it’s his turn to get started.”
Gabbiadini is due to complete his €13m transfer from Sampdoria to Napoli in January and should undergo his medical tomorrow.
“Higuain and Callejon should take him under their wing and teach him everything he needs to know to become a champion.
“He’s strong in the mind above all, a hard worker and just as stubborn as me. Manolo has been ready for the big step up for some time. He knows he’s going to one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy.
“Pioli was the first Coach who believed in him, but Mihajlovic was fundamental to make him the player he is today. Benitez has always done well with young players, such as Fernando Torres, so he’s the right man for Manolo at this moment. If he said yes to Napoli, it’s also because of Benitez.
“I told him to keep his feet on the ground, because it’s easy to be raised up as a hero one day and just as quick to fall into Hell at your first mistake.”
Although Melania is a striker, Manolo at first wanted to be a goalkeeper like their father Giuseppe.
“The only problem was that every time he did play an outfield role, he’d score. It was his destiny to be a forward. He’s left-footed, while I am right-footed. Mind you, he saw me score certain goals and learned…
“The thing I like the most about Manolo is his tenacity. He never gives up. He was an apprentice mechanic working with our uncle until the age of 15, then went to train with Atalanta. He’s excellent with motors, cars and scooters.
“A year ago I convinced him to get his first tattoo, as I love them and even went on a tattoo course. Now he has three little stars that bring him luck.”