- Programme studied: MSc Management, Organisation and Governance
- Year of Graduation: 2008
From ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ to the World Cup! Since completing the programme Daniele has led the implementation of groundbreaking football technologies at FIFA, playing a key role in over 25 global tournaments—including the historic debut of VAR at the 2018 World Cup.
Current job title and description of what this role entails:
As Senior Football Technology Manager at FIFA, I oversee the planning, implementation, and operations of cutting-edge technology systems, such as VAR, semi-automated offside systems, goal-line technology, and electronic performance tracking across major global tournaments at both youth and senior levels.
A passionate technologist and lifelong football enthusiast, I bridge the gap between innovation and the pitch. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the organisation of over 25 FIFA tournaments, including Men’s and Women’s World Cups, the Olympics, and the Club World Cup. Some key highlights include:
Tell us about your career journey since graduating from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳?
After graduating in the summer of 2008, I entered a tough job market due to the global financial crisis. With few opportunities in London and many familiar faces chasing the same roles, I had to think creatively.
I pivoted toward the aviation industry, an area that fascinated me since university. It’s a fast-paced, competitive, and dynamic field that helped me grow both professionally and personally. I held several exciting roles that allowed me to travel extensively and work with airlines and aircraft I had studied for years. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t football…
To reconnect with my childhood dream of working in the beautiful game, I returned to school and started work in a new industry. I began working with the Italian national team (“the Azzurri”) before moving to FIFA, where I now have a direct impact on the sport I’ve loved since I was a kid.
How has the programme you studied helped your career since you graduated?
The programme gave me solid management foundations and a comprehensive understanding of how organisations, both public and private, operate. Debating ideas with students from around the world and learning from top professors gave me the confidence to set ambitious goals for my career.
But above all, it’s the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ network that has been the most valuable. It spans industries and continents and continues to support me to this day. No matter where I travel, there’s always an ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ connection nearby. Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built came from my class, two friends in particular, John and Luigi, are still part of my daily life.
What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
I’ve received many pieces of advice over the years, but a few really stand out:
“If you’re not learning anymore, leave immediately.” This came from the CEO of a company I once worked for, ironically knowing it might encourage me to move on. It was a powerful reminder that learning should never stop. Keep asking questions, no matter your role or seniority. It’s a more direct version of “stay hungry, stay foolish.”
“Just imagine... if you could do this in football.” This playful comment from a former manager, knowing my passion for football and my sales skills, planted the seed that eventually led me to change industries. It turned out to be more than just a joke.
“Les cimetières sont pleins de gens irremplaçables.” (“Graveyards are full of indispensable people.”) A quote by Charles de Gaulle, shared by a former manager with whom I had a very rocky relationship. Early in your career, it’s easy to feel invincible, which can be a great motivator. But long-term success requires humility and the ability to work with others, even when it’s tough.
What's the greatest challenge you've had to overcome?
The greatest challenge I’ve faced was switching industries, moving from a niche, highly technical sector into the world of sports and football.
The first challenge was personal: leaving behind certainty for the unknown. Starting over from scratch after building years of experience is never easy. It felt like jumping into the dark. I had to convince friends, family, and colleagues that I was making the right decision, even when I wasn’t completely sure myself.
The second challenge was professional: convincing a future employer that someone with no prior experience in the sports industry could play a key role in delivering one of the most ambitious projects in football history. Passion alone wasn’t enough, after all who isn’t passionate about football?
It took time, persistence, and a lot of resilience, but I made it. In fact, I even gave a TED Talk about the journey.
What are your hopes for the future?
That’s quite a question… but if I had to sum it up, I’d say this: I believe in the power of football.
Football is more than just a game, it’s a global language, a force that goes far beyond the boundaries of sport. It has the power to inspire, educate, and create meaningful social impact.
In my work, I see this every day, traveling to different countries, experiencing new cultures, and watching how football brings people together. No matter the language, background, or location, the game has a unique way of uniting us.
My hope for the future is to continue contributing to this movement, using football as a tool not only for entertainment, but for positive change.
Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Management.
During the master’s programme, I had the chance to take many fascinating classes, but the one that stood out most was a negotiation course with Professor David Marsden. I enjoyed it so much that I chose to write my final dissertation under his supervision. After graduation, we kept in touch from time to time, though, as it often happens, time and distance made it harder. Years later, I reached out to ask for an academic reference, and his support was simply outstanding. We reconnected instantly, as if no time had passed at all.
I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing in 2021. I will always carry with me the memory of an exceptional professor and a kind, generous person.
If you would like to be our Alum of the Month or if you would like to nominate a Department of Management alumni, please email dom.alumni@lse.ac.uk.