What connects U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic, Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez, and prominent Serie A players like Jamie Vardy and Santiago Gimenez? The answer lies in the culinary prowess of Leonardo Cannavale, known as Gordon Lenni. Residing in Milan, this Italian chef has carved a niche for himself by forming strong relationships with numerous Serie A players, including those from AC Milan, Inter, Atalanta, Como, Bologna, Genoa, and Parma.
Cannavale’s culinary journey took a notable turn in 2024 when he was entrusted with preparing Thanksgiving dinner for Pulisic, just days after the player scored a decisive goal against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. His work has garnered attention and respect, as CBS Sports recently featured him in an insightful interview.
The Importance of Nutrition for Athletes
The conversation revealed crucial insights into the importance of nutrition for elite athletes. Cannavale emphasized that players’ dietary needs are more prominent than ever, especially considering the increase in match congestion and the growing number of games. As a result, many players are seeking support not just at their training facilities but also in their homes.
“Healthy nutrition has become a vital component of physical recovery each week,” Cannavale explained. “Many players now require assistance with their nutrition to support their demanding schedules.” Drawing from his vast experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across London, Barcelona, and Italy, he collaborates with club nutritionists to design personalized dietary programs tailored to players’ weekly requirements.
How It All Began
Last year marked the inception of Cannavale’s journey with Serie A players. Beginning with Inter athletes like Lautaro Martinez and Matteo Darmian, the chef quickly made a name for himself. Players appreciated his cooking style, leading to referrals to other athletes. His growing presence on social media also attracted new clients seeking meal plans.
Culinary Support for Players
These meal plans are specifically crafted to promote convenience. Players can simply take prepared meals from the fridge, warm them up, and enjoy them. Cannavale shared that athletes often request detailed information about their meals, focusing on macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. Healthy snacks—whether desserts or midday options—are also popular demands.
Since his work with Serie A players commenced, Cannavale has expanded his clientele beyond footballers to include athletes from tennis, basketball, and other sports. He recognizes the potential of this growing business as an essential component of athletic success.
The Future of Athletic Nutrition
Cannavale believes that home nutrition will play an even more critical role in athletes’ health routines moving forward. With an increasing number of games and limited recovery time, high-quality nutrition becomes paramount. Many players struggle to manage their diets independently, underscoring the need for external support to maintain healthy eating habits.
Athletes like Gimenez, Vardy, Marcus Thuram, Davide Frattesi, and Alessandro Bastoni are now part of what Cannavale affectionately calls the “meal plans family.” His influence extends not only to the players themselves but also to their families, who seek his culinary expertise for daily meals. Recently, he had the opportunity to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for Pulisic, alongside other teammates watching NFL games together.
Building Relationships
The relationships Cannavale builds with these athletes are integral to his success. Many players, including Pulisic, have come to rely on his culinary skills on a regular basis. “He asked me to cook his Thanksgiving dinner,” Cannavale reflected. “It’s a special occasion for him, especially after his recent achievements.” For Pulisic, Cannavale crafted a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes, leaving out dessert to ensure optimal performance ahead of an important game against Lazio.
In an environment where athletic performance is tied closely to nutrition, the role of professionals like Gordon Lenni is becoming increasingly significant. As athletes prioritize their physical health, having reliable culinary support can make all the difference.
