Parma, 19 February 2026 – The Museo Ernesto Ceresini, housed within the Stadio Ennio Tardini and usually home to trophies and memorabilia, became a space for profound human reflection.

It was here that “Quello Che Non Ho Visto Arrivare” (“What I Didn’t See Coming”) was presented: the testimonial book by Giorgio Perinetti, a long-standing figure in Italian football and now at Athletic Club Palermo, written alongside journalist Michele Pennetti.

The occasion, sensitively moderated by Sandro Sabatini, revealed the most personal side of a man who has devoted more than forty years to top-level football. Always attentive to youth development within Italian academies, Perinetti chose to share his personal experience of loss in order to turn it into a collective good: the story of his daughter Emanuela, a talented manager who passed away in 2023 at just 33 years of age due to anorexia.

Her story became a vital opportunity to shine a light on eating disorders, an issue too often underestimated. Following this, the contribution of Chiara Celentano from AIDAP was fundamental, explaining the scientific ramifications of a matter that concerns society as a whole.

Parma Calcio 1913 took an active role in the initiative, reaffirming its responsibility not only in sport but also on a social and institutional level. Representing the club were CEO Federico Cherubini and Football Director Alessandro Pettinà, alongside other executives and distinguished guests including Giovanni Carnevali, CEO of US Sassuolo Calcio, and Sporting Director Francesco Palmieri. Also present were Fabrizio Larini, Doriano Tosi, and Paolo Piani, Secretary of the Technical Sector of the Italian Football Federation.

“A parent cannot help but feel guilty and ask a thousand questions,” said Giorgio Perinetti. “Unfortunately, you never truly find answers. I always look back to when my daughter asked to work alongside me. I interpreted that as something diminishing for her, because she had always received interesting offers. But perhaps they were simply cries for help. I didn’t understand, I failed to recognise the signs, and that is my greatest regret. I would also like to thank Parma Calcio and CEO Federico Cherubini for choosing to shine a light on this issue — I truly appreciate that. It is a pleasure to be here. Ernesto Ceresini was a President of great vision and humanity, and I have wonderful memories of him.”

“This book tells a powerful and deeply moving story,” added Sandro Sabatini. “From its pages emerges the limitless love of a father for his daughter. Honestly, until recently I was not well informed on the subject. I didn’t know one could die from anorexia. And I say this to highlight that no one should try to suggest that they might have acted differently to Giorgio – perhaps only specialists could have fully grasped the situation.”

“I believe there is still far too little awareness of this issue,” continued Chiara Celentano. “Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses. It is also associated with a high rate of suicide because it often goes hand in hand with severe depression. It is particularly widespread among young people aged between 12 and 25, predominantly women. Those affected often display strong perfectionist traits, which are unfortunately exacerbated by social media. This book must become an act of responsibility, prompting each of us to ask: how do I recognise the warning signs of such a subtle illness?”

In closing, Federico Cherubini said: “I thank everyone present today, and Giorgio for accepting our invitation. We usually meet in very different contexts, but for us it is a privilege to hear such a profound and powerful testimony. Having Giorgio here was extremely important – I say that not as a colleague, but as a father.”

An event that leaves a deep mark, one that the world of football must help amplify, because the game works towards fighting far greater battles than those that we see on the pitch.