In the grand theater of Italian sports, few figures command as unique a perspective as Evelina Christillin. A former national skier, a confidante of the legendary Gianni Agnelli, and a high-ranking administrator within the labyrinthine worlds of FIFA and UEFA, Christillin has not merely observed history; she has helped shape it. Her narrative offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of Juventus, the Agnelli dynasty, and the seismic shifts that have redefined modern football, all delivered with the candid charm of an insider who has seen it all.
The Early Years: From Ski Slopes to Juventus Obsession
Christillin`s journey began not on the manicured pitches of Turin, but on the icy slopes. A talented alpine skier, she even competed at the World Cup level, though in her characteristic self-deprecating manner, she recalls being “good, but not brilliant.” Yet, parallel to her athletic pursuits, a deeper passion brewed – one for the black and white stripes of Juventus. While other girls collected animal stickers, young Evelina meticulously filled her Panini albums with footballers, her first idol being the stalwart defender Sandro Salvadore.
Her family`s close ties to the Agnelli clan, forged through her father Emilio`s friendship with Gianni, provided an unparalleled backstage pass to the world of Juventus. She grew up alongside Margherita and Edoardo Agnelli, their lives intertwined in a way only possible within the close-knit aristocracy of Turin. This personal connection would define much of her future, granting her access that few could ever dream of.
Gianni Agnelli: The Maestro, The Wit, The Visionary
Much of Christillin’s narrative orbits around the iconic figure of Gianni Agnelli, the charismatic patriarch who loomed large over both Fiat and Juventus. Agnelli, with his sharp intellect and even sharper wit, was a force of nature. Christillin recounts tales that paint a vivid portrait of the man: his whimsical helicopter rides to the slopes or to Villar Perosa to greet the team, and his legendary capacity for giving players nicknames. Zbigniew Boniek, “Bello di Notte” (Beauty by Night), once famously retorted to Agnelli`s playful jab about playing in daylight, “Avvocato, then I`ll just wear sunglasses!”
Agnelli’s discerning eye for talent and character was legendary. He held a particular fondness for Michel Platini, not just for his sublime skill, but because the French maestro possessed the rare intellect and courage to engage Agnelli in conversation, rather than cowering in respectful silence. As Christillin recalls, Agnelli famously quipped about Platini`s transfer, “We bought Platini for a crust of bread and put foie gras on top.”
However, even Agnelli had his regrets. The sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid deeply displeased him, a silent frustration that underscored his respect for his managers` decisions, even when they went against his personal wishes. His playful lament over missing out on a young Maradona – claiming Juventus was “too Catholic” for a player with such a name – adds another layer to his legendary persona, showcasing his blend of gravitas and jocularity.
From Olympic Triumph to Football`s Modern Battlegrounds
Christillin`s career extended beyond the football pitch. Gianni Agnelli himself entrusted her with the monumental task of leading Turin`s bid for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Despite initial skepticism from powerful figures like Jean-Claude Killy (“one chance in a thousand”), Christillin`s perseverance and diplomatic skill—including a football-centric conversation with IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch—secured the Games. It was a triumph that cemented her reputation as a formidable sports administrator.
Her insider status, however, came with a heavy price when football`s darker chapters unfolded. She offers a pragmatic, almost weary, perspective on Calciopoli, acknowledging the “psychological subservience” that Juventus seemed to command from referees. Her belief that Gianni Agnelli, with a heavy heart, would have accepted the penalties mirrors the actions of his chosen successor, John Elkann, highlighting a certain Agnelli pragmatism in the face of scandal.
But it was the SuperLega controversy in 2021 that presented Christillin with her greatest personal and professional crucible. As a UEFA Council member, she found herself caught between her lifelong loyalty to the Agnelli family and her duty to UEFA. The “tragic night” of the Super League`s announcement saw UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin fielding calls from European heads of state, while Christillin herself was mistakenly viewed as a “serpent in the bosom” for Andrea Agnelli. Her emotional toll was immense, leading her to seek solace at her parents` grave. The loyalty she felt for UEFA was paramount, despite the deep personal bonds. This harrowing experience ultimately led her to distance herself from attending Juventus matches, a poignant symbol of the conflict.
Reflections on a Sporting Life
Christillin`s narrative is not just about the triumphs and controversies of elite sport; it also touches on its human cost. Her sorrowful reflection on the tragic deaths of young skiers, Matteo Franzoso and Matilde Lorenzi, underscores the inherent dangers in competitive sports. She notes the stark contrast in safety measures between competitive races and training sessions, a sobering thought in an era of ever-increasing speeds and specialized equipment.
Today, Evelina Christillin observes the current iteration of Juventus with a blend of realism and enduring affection. The team, she admits, is “dignified,” perhaps not the powerhouse of the Trapattoni, Lippi, or Conte eras, but “it`s enough for us today.” It`s a pragmatic assessment from someone who has witnessed the full spectrum of Juventus`s history, from its aristocratic heights to its modern struggles.
Evelina Christillin remains a compelling voice, a unique bridge between generations of Italian sports, offering a blend of historical depth, personal anecdote, and sharp analysis. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of sports, the complexities of loyalty, and the fascinating interplay of power and passion that defines the beautiful game.
