Milan, Italy – A latest book, I ragazzi del dottor Brolis. Storie di un calcio che non finirà (Equa Edizioni, 2026), is celebrating the life and work of Giuseppe Brolis, a man widely regarded as one of Italy’s most influential talent scouts. The book, penned by Brolis’s daughter, Maria Teresa Brolis, and Marco Carobbio, was recently presented at the Aula Magna of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, drawing praise from prominent figures within Italian football.
Brolis’s impact on the sport is underscored by the accolades from those he mentored and worked alongside. Cesare Prandelli, the last coach to lead the Italian national team to a World Cup (2014), described Brolis as “the greatest talent scout I’ve ever known.” Gaetano Scirea, a legendary defender and World Cup winner, credited Brolis as “the reason for everything that happened to me.” Giorgio Perinetti, a former sporting director for clubs including Napoli, Roma, and Palermo, hailed Brolis as “the founder of the Atalanta youth system, a model for the entire football world.”
The book isn’t simply a recounting of scouting successes, however. According to Mario Gatti, director of the Milan branch and Research & Development area of Università Cattolica, it embodies a philosophy that aligns with the university’s own initiatives. “When the Università Cattolica created the Cattolicaper lo Sport working group in 2015, it was precisely what this book tells: humanity generating professionalism, professionalism generating models,” Gatti explained. The university, he added, aims to foster the positive relationships that are central to developing both skilled professionals and well-rounded individuals.
I ragazzi del dottor Brolis delves into the stories of players who achieved stardom and those who, while not reaching the heights of Serie A or the national team, built fulfilling lives through dedication and perseverance. It’s a narrative steeped in commitment, humanity, and loyalty – values that Brolis instilled in those he worked with. The book’s focus on the holistic development of young players, beyond just their athletic abilities, is a key theme.
Prandelli recalled a formative lesson from Brolis, sharing a memory from when he was just 13 years old. “’Have fun, but respect your opponent,’” Prandelli remembered Brolis saying, appearing in their locker room in Orzinuovi, sporting his signature loden coat and hat. “He was already a well-known figure, and my coach adored him. He told me, ‘Talented kid, but no one knows where to place you yet.’ It’s true, I could play in defense, midfield, or as a winger. But what really challenged me were his pauses. He’d give you an opinion, then wait thirty or forty seconds, and you didn’t know whether to respond or wait. He taught me the importance of listening, of speaking to young people clearly and directly.”
The book’s release comes at a time when youth development is increasingly crucial for Italian football. The emphasis on identifying and nurturing talent, combined with a focus on character building, reflects a broader trend within the sport. The Italian football federation has invested heavily in youth academies in recent years, aiming to rebuild a pipeline of players capable of competing at the highest level internationally.
Brolis’s approach, as highlighted in the book, wasn’t solely about identifying technical skill. It was about understanding a player’s personality, their work ethic, and their potential to grow as a person. This holistic view, according to those who knew him, was what set him apart and contributed to his remarkable success rate. The book serves as a reminder that developing a successful footballer requires more than just coaching; it requires mentorship, guidance, and a genuine commitment to the player’s overall well-being.
The presentation at the Università Cattolica underscored the connection between sports and education, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership in shaping the next generation of athletes. The book, and the legacy of Giuseppe Brolis, offers valuable lessons for coaches, administrators, and young players alike. It’s a story of a man who dedicated his life to the beautiful game, not just for the pursuit of victory, but for the development of character and the fostering of human potential.
Looking ahead, the principles outlined in I ragazzi del dottor Brolis are likely to continue influencing youth development programs across Italy. The book is available now through Equa Edizioni and is expected to generate significant discussion within the Italian football community. Fans and professionals interested in learning more about Brolis’s life and work can find additional information on the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore website: Cattolicaper lo Sport.
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