Candido Cannavò

Who was Candido Cannavò?

Candido Cannavò was an Italian journalist, well known as the historical director of the sport newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Cannavò was born in Catania and begun to work as sport journalist for La Sicilia when he was nineteen. He was president of CUS Catania from 1952 until 1955, when he was hired by La Gazzetta dello Sport. In 1981, he became vice-director and, in 1983, director. During his stay, the Gazzetta consolidated as the major Italian sport newspaper; Cannavò also launched the weekly Sportweek and the Gazzetta website. Cannavò gained national popularity also for his numerous TV appearances in connection with the Giro d'Italia and Serie A football. He continued to write for Gazzetta until two days before his death; he was also author of an autobiography and of essays about social themes, such as Italian prisons, as well as handicapped and homeless people.

He died in Milan in 2009, aged 78, by cerebral hemorrhage.