Manuel Scavone is ending his career. © ANDREAS KEMENATER

Manuel Scavone retires: “Football is my life”

Manuel Scavone is one of the most successful footballers South Tyrol has produced in the last 20 years. Now, the 37-year-old is ending his career playing for Bozen FC. We spoke with Scavone about his career, including the differences between amateur and professional football.

09 May 2025

From: dl

Because his son is celebrating his First Communion on Sunday, Scavone will be unable to play in the away game against St. Pauli. Bozen FC hasn't quite mathematically secured relegation yet. However, a lot would have to happen for the Oranges' season to extend once again. Accordingly, Scavone played what was likely his final game last weekend.

He played in no fewer than 472 Serie B and Serie C matches during his career. Scavone celebrated a record-breaking seven promotions in Italian football before spending the last two seasons in the top division with Bozner FC. As he left, SportNews spoke with Scavone about...


...his most special game: "I can still remember my first goal for FC Südtirol at home in the Drusus Stadium. Those were very special emotions. In my youth, perhaps some players were more talented than me. But that was the first time I thought I could earn a living from football in the future."

...his most formative station: "I had two wonderful years at Parma. There, I felt the pressure of the jersey especially. The way the fans and the city supported the team was outstanding."

Manuel Scavone celebrated Parma's promotion to Serie A. © parmacalcio1913.com

...the comparison between amateur and professional: "It's completely different. As a professional, you live for football. You do everything you can to be fit and perform well. As an amateur footballer, it's also about having fun. Here, work comes first."

"As a professional, you live for football. As an amateur, it's also about having fun." Manuel Scavone

...the level in the Oberliga: "There are some very strong players here, especially technically. The difference between them and a professional footballer is often their playing and tactical intelligence."

... his future in football: "Football has been my life since I was 6 years old. Let's see what the future holds. I've already got my coaching license. I'll stay involved in football, but we'll see in what capacity."

In 2010, Manuel Scavone celebrated the Serie C2 championship title with FC Südtirol. © max pattis

...the missing Serie A game: "I was a really good Serie B player and always wanted to be the center of attention for my teams. Of course, a season in Serie A would have been great. But you only become a true first-league player after spending several years there."

...his best opponent: "I particularly remember Zdenek Zeman's Pescara promotion team in 2012, with Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile, and Marco Verratti. Pescara played incredibly well at that time; it felt like the opponents were coming from everywhere (laughs). No wonder these three had such a successful career."

Oberliga, 30th matchday

Obermais – St. Georgen (Saturday, 16.00 p.m.)
Brixen – Anaune (Sunday, 15.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Virtus Bozen – Mori
Rovereto – Levico
Stegen – Benacense
St. Pauls – Bozner FC
Vipo Trento – Tramin
Comano – Partschins

State league, 28th matchday

Schenna – Val Gardena (Saturday, 15.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Gitschberg Jochtal – Kiens (Saturday, 16.30pm)
Tscherms Marling – Riffian Kuens (Saturday, 17.00 p.m.)
Latzfons Verdings – Terlan (Saturday, 17.30pm)
Naturno – Lana (Sunday, 15.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Wine Route South – Salurn
Ahead of Leifers – Latsch
Ahrntal – Bruneck