In the recent history of Juventus chairmen, it’s difficult to find someone that has been as influential for the club as Andrea Agnelli since his appointment in 2010. He became president of Juve during a tough time in their history, as they were recovering from the aftermaths of the Calciopoli scandals and were 7 years without a Scudetto. Andrea’s decision to transition into a new stadium as well as his appointment of Antonio Conte played a big role in helping the club return to glory. What you may not know is that he was not just any president. The Agnelli family is one of the most powerful families in all of Italy, and they have been deeply rooted in Juventus for a century.
It all started with Giovanni Agnelli (born 1866), the founder of FIAT. Though Giovanni never took part in Bianconeri affairs, his company would become the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy and lay a strong financial and power foundation for the future of Juventus. His son Edoardo Agnelli II (born 1892), is where the Agnelli-Juventus love story truly began. He became the president of the club in 1923 and is one of the most important figures in Bianconeri history as he oversaw the Quinquennio d'Oro (The Golden Quinquennium), when the team won five consecutive Scudetti from 1931 to 1935. In July of 1935, however, a tragic seaplane accident claimed his life when he was struck by the propeller. He left behind 7 children, including Gianni and Umberto, both of whom later took part in the Juventus legacy.
We start with Giovanni “Gianni” Agnelli (born 1921). L’Avvocato. The Lawyer. He was 14 when his father passed away, and he grew up watching the Bianconeri play under his own family’s presidency. His father’s sudden passing prompted his insatiable obsession with Juventus.
“I have given more of myself to Juventus, both financially and emotionally, than could ever make any sense. I just could not help myself.”
After being a lifelong fan of the club, he became its president in 1947. Though he had to resign seven years later due to other circumstances, he never withdrew from being deeply involved in Juventus affairs. Gianni was more than a former president. He formed personal relationships with the players, and would famously call any member of the team early in the morning. As Del Piero, Buffon, Conte, Platini, and Ravanelli recounted, he would call at 6 AM in the morning to discuss any problems or mistakes that came into mind. He was also incredibly influential outside the football world. He was the head of FIAT, which meant that he became the richest figure in modern Italian history. He also had quite a reputation in the entertainment world, becoming a fashion icon known for his classic suits and wearing his wristwatch over his cuffs. Gianni was always ambitious to win more and he hoped to see a third star stitched on top of the logo of his beloved Juventus. Though he passed away from prostate cancer before he could see his dream realized, he is fondly remembered and his legacy will live on forever.
And now the last piece of the puzzle- Umberto Agnelli (born 1934) and his son Andrea. One year after Gianni stepped down as Juventus chairman, his youngest brother, Umberto, took over from 1955 to 1962. The Bianconeri then went almost five decades without an Agnelli as official chairman, though their presence remained in every single important decision made at the club. This was until 2010, when a 35-year-old Andrea Agnelli was named chairman, carrying on his family tradition.
The Agnelli family and their union with Juventus is a special bond that not many other clubs can boast. Not only do they provide the club financial and political stability, but it is also perhaps more important to consider the power of shared traditions and passion in the development of Juve’s identity. As Gianni answered when asked what Juventus means to his family,
“It is simply a family passion that has been passed down… I simply inherited the team and naturally fell in love.”
