Giovanni Galeone, one of Italian football’s most charismatic and nonconformist coaches, has died at 84. He had been hospitalized for some time in Udine, where he passed away after a long illness. Galeone, who was born in Naples on January 25, 1941, began his career as a midfielder in Serie B and Serie C, but it was as a bench player that he rose to prominence. After playing for Adriese and Pordenone, he joined the Udinese youth program, where he began a career of ideals, vision, and an unwavering refusal to compromise. His soccer was a statement of freedom: aggressive, thoughtful, and courageous. “The ball must move", he used to say, “and the team must have the courage to have fun". With his 4-3-3 formation, he inspired an entire generation of coaches, including Massimiliano Allegri, who always referred to him as "my mentor". Giampaolo and Gasperini also inherited his legacy — more philosophical than tactical: football as a language, not just as a result. His most notable seasons were spent at Pescara, when he was promoted to Serie A twice (1987 and 1992) and provided the city with years of excitement and flair. In Abruzzo he became a legend — even the new railway station was inaugurated in his presence. That team, which included Junior, Pagano, Gasperini, and a young Allegri, is still regarded as one of the best and most visionary ever seen outside of the major clubs. He also coached Udinese, Perugia, Napoli, Como, SPAL, and Ancona, leaving an unforgettable mark everywhere. Galeone, a forthright, sardonic, and clever man, preferred words to tactics boards. He knew how to use his speech to motivate, provoke, and captivate others. “The goalkeeper is optional”, he joked, explaining his view of the game — always leaning toward risk, beauty, and creativity. After retiring in 2013, he continued to provide insightful and passionate commentary on soccer, never renouncing his ideas — faithful to a romantic, intellectual vision of the sport.