Marco Ottolini’s return to Juventus marks a new chapter in his career, one built on shrewd market operations and a strong track record as Genoa’s Sporting Director. IlBianconero report how, during his time with the Ligurian club, he orchestrated several key transfers — both signings and sales — that shaped Genoa’s resurgence and earned him recognition as one of Italy’s most forward-thinking executives.
Ottolini left Juventus in the summer of 2022, where he had previously worked in scouting and player development, and joined Genoa as Sporting Director. His rise from talent spotter to senior leadership figure illustrates a career defined by vision, data-driven strategy, and an eye for talent.
Genoa’s Rebirth Under Ottolini
Genoa’s on-field results speak volumes about Ottolini’s impact. Upon his arrival, the club immediately achieved promotion back to Serie A in the 2022/23 season. Two consecutive top-flight campaigns followed, both comfortably producing mid-table finishes well clear of relegation danger.
In 2023/24, the team finished 11th with 49 points — an impressive total for a newly promoted side — while in 2024/25, they placed 13th with 43 points. Consistency and stability became Genoa’s hallmarks under Ottolini’s direction.
Top Signings and Discoveries
Among Ottolini’s standout acquisitions, one of the latest and most talked-about is Brooke Norton-Cuffy. The English full-back, signed from Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2024 for around €2 million, has since seen his market value soar to roughly €20 million. His rapid development has drawn interest from several major clubs, including Juventus.
Another inspired addition was Italy international Matteo Retegui, brought in from Argentine side Tigre for approximately €15 million. Retegui quickly justified the investment, becoming a key figure in Genoa’s attack and a valuable asset in the transfer market.
Ottolini also bolstered the squad with the signing of goalkeeper Josep Martínez from RB Leipzig in 2023, a bargain acquisition that paid off handsomely later. Add to that free transfers such as Aaron Martín, now a fixture in the Genoa lineup, and it’s clear how well Ottolini balanced scouting insight with financial prudence.
Smart Sales and Value Creation
The profits from Ottolini’s transfer dealings were crucial in maintaining Genoa’s financial stability. Retegui was sold to Atalanta just a year after his arrival for €25 million — a €10 million gain. Martínez followed a similar path, moving to Inter for nearly €15 million.
Other profitable departures included Albert Gudmundsson to Fiorentina for around €20 million and young academy product Ahanor to Atalanta for €17 million. Each sale represented a carefully timed move that maximised both player value and club benefit.
The Juventus Connection: Dragusin and De Winter
Two of Ottolini’s most notable moves involved players with direct links to Juventus — Radu Dragusin and Koni De Winter. Having monitored both closely during his previous spell in Turin, Ottolini brought the defenders to Genoa, where they flourished before earning transfers to top European clubs.
Dragusin was signed for roughly €10 million and sold to Tottenham Hotspur for €25 million, while De Winter joined for €11 million before being transferred to AC Milan for €20 million. These deals showcased Ottolini’s knack for identifying and developing young talent, as well as his ability to turn potential into profit.
A Proven Profile for Juventus’ New Era
Ottolini’s tenure at Genoa demonstrates exactly why Juventus brought him back. His philosophy combines player development, financial balance, and long-term planning — values perfectly aligned with the club’s strategic direction. From Retegui’s breakthrough to Dragusin’s rise, Ottolini’s work has blended intuition and analytics, setting a solid foundation for his new challenge in Turin.
