Born in Trieste and with a degree in Architecture, Giovanna got on her first boat at the age of 8 - somewhat by chance - and has never gotten off since then. Having distinguished herself as a child on the Optimist and 420, she was at the top of the World Ranking List in the women's 470 doubles paired with Giulia Conti between 2005 and 2012, winning several medals in the World Championships (a silver in 2008 and a bronze in 2010) and European Championships (silver in 2007, gold in 2009, silver in 2010). She also placed 5th twice at the Olympics (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). In the Nacra 17 class with Lorenzo Bressani she participated in the Olympic campaign for Rio. Married to a Trieste sailor Michele Paoletti, she works as an architect and is mom of Olivia and Mattia. In 2024 she joins the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team in view of the Puig Women's America's Cup in Barcelona.