The Romanian club Rapid has announced the arrival of Italian trainer Eros Giglia to their technical staff, with a statement that seems to imply a connection with Genoa, the Italian club with which they share a brotherly relationship. However, the reality is that Giglia comes from the youth development sector of Genoa, not directly from the senior team.
Giglia, 30, has been touted as a risk by Rapid’s owner Dan Șucu, rather than a sure thing. The Italian’s experience at Genoa was largely limited to the youth team and the Primavera squad, with a stint at Imperia, a semi-professional club, before joining Genoa’s academy.
From the Academy to the Senior Team
Giglia’s journey to Genoa began in 2024, when he moved from Imperia to the Rossoblu academy, where he worked under the guidance of coach Luca Valiani with the Under 16 team. This experience likely prepared him for the challenges of working with a senior team, but it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the demands of Rapid’s first team.
Adapting to the Senior Team
Giglia will be working closely with Daniel Pancu, the Rapid coach who emphasizes intensity and demands a high level of effort from his players throughout the game. The Italian will be part of a staff that includes Armando Lungu, Geraldo Alves, and Marius Suller, as well as Ciprian Niță, who will be responsible for video analysis, and doctor Dan Wanya-Crîngu, who will oversee the medical department.
Giglia’s arrival is a significant development for Rapid, who have had difficulties expressing themselves on the pitch in recent play-off matches. His expertise in youth development could be a valuable asset for the club, but his lack of experience in the senior team setting is a concern.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Giglia’s career has been a gradual one, with a focus on developing his skills in the regional football scene. Before becoming a specialist, he played at a lower level, moving between clubs such as Baia Alassio and Loanesi. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned to the coaching side, working with amateur clubs like Albenga and Imperia, where he also earned his UEFA B license at the Coverciano Technical Centre.
Genoa’s decision to promote Giglia to their youth team was seen as part of their strategy to develop young players and coaches from the region. However, the question now is whether Rapid has taken a risk by hiring him as their new fitness coach.
The answer will become clearer as Giglia settles into his new role and works with the Rapid players. However, one thing is certain: the Italian’s arrival has injected a fresh dynamic into the club’s technical staff, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the demands of working with a senior team.
Rapid‘s decision to hire Giglia raises questions about their approach to youth development and their willingness to take risks on unproven coaches. The club’s management will be hoping that Giglia’s expertise will pay off, but the next few months will be crucial in determining his success.