Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Football's Italian job

2013; Emerald Publishing Limited; Volume: 29; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1108/02580541311311294

1758-8588

Sports, Gender, and Society

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings A former leading professional turned TV pundit once famously remarked that football was “a funny old game”. His comments were inspired by the surprise and unpredictability so characteristic of the sport at that time. Since we can still confidently expect the unexpected to occur with some frequency, the phrase continues to enjoy cult status almost three decades down the line. Some things have changed considerably though. Football has now become serious business and is no laughing matter. Many clubs relentlessly pursue on and off‐field success as they strive to satisfy the very different demands of fans and financiers alike. Ambition should never be discouraged. But chasing any dream must be tempered by a sizeable dose of reality. The sporting world is no different in that respect. Alas, numerous football clubs have learned this the hard way. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.