Evelina Christillin`s life reads like a compelling memoir, weaving through the exclusive corridors of Italian high society, the high-stakes world of international sports administration, and the passionate heart of Juventus Football Club. From the slopes of the Alps to the boardrooms of UEFA, Christillin offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the figures and events that have shaped modern Italian sports, all while navigating her own complex loyalties.
A Childhood Steeped in Black and White
Long before her influential roles, Christillin was simply a child with an unusual passion. While her peers coveted animal sticker albums, young Evelina’s heart belonged to football, specifically Juventus. The 1966-67 season imprinted itself on her, with rugged defender Sandro Salvadore emerging as her first favorite. This early fascination was no mere whim; it was a foundational element of a lifelong dedication. Her connection to the legendary Agnelli family wasn`t through football alone but through shared childhoods. Growing up alongside Gianni Agnelli`s children, Margherita and Edoardo, in an environment where her father, Emilio, a former Lancia pilot, was a close confidant of “L`Avvocato” (The Lawyer) himself, Christillin was afforded an unparalleled vantage point into one of Italy’s most powerful dynasties.
Gianni Agnelli: The Maestro of Wit and Whimsy
The stories Christillin recounts about Gianni Agnelli paint a vivid picture of a man who was as charismatic as he was commanding. From impromptu helicopter rides to whisk her away skiing, to landing at Villar Perosa for a casual team greeting before heading to a match, Agnelli’s world was a blend of high-octane luxury and genuine human connection. His sharp wit was legendary, not least in his playful jabs at Juventus president Giampiero Boniperti during the heated Derby della Mole. Boniperti, known for his nervous habit of leaving stadium early, would be met with Agnelli`s outlandish, fabricated match summaries – a tradition that speaks volumes about their unique camaraderie.
Agnelli’s penchant for nicknames was another facet of his personality. While Christillin herself earned the affectionate “Moon Face” for her round visage, players were also subjected to his succinct, often cutting, descriptors: Zbigniew Boniek became “Bello di notte” (Beautiful by Night), Alessandro Del Piero “Pinturicchio” for his artistic style, and Roberto Baggio “Coniglio Bagnato” (Wet Rabbit) for his perceived fragility. These weren`t just labels; they were Agnelli’s way of capturing the essence of a player, a legacy of playful intellectual dominion.
From Maradona`s Missed Opportunity to Platini`s Panache
The conversation inevitably turns to footballing giants. Agnelli`s early tip-off about a young Diego Maradona, reportedly through Fiat Argentina contacts, led to a missed opportunity for Juventus, which Boniperti comically deflected by citing his devout Catholicism preventing him from signing a player with a “blasphemous” surname. More famously, Agnelli`s admiration for Michel Platini transcended mere talent. Platini, acquired for what Agnelli famously described as “a crust of bread” and adorned with “foie gras,” stood out because he dared to challenge Agnelli`s wit, engaging in banter where others would remain silent. This intellectual sparring earned Platini a special place in Agnelli’s esteem, highlighting the value placed on intelligence beyond athletic prowess.
The sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, however, struck a different chord. Agnelli, despite earlier assurances from directors Moggi and Giraudo that the French maestro would not be sold, was left “silently angry.” Yet, in a testament to his leadership philosophy, he never interfered with managerial decisions, upholding a strict division of responsibilities – a stark contrast to some modern club owners.
The Perfect Storm: Torino 2006 and the Super League Betrayal
Christillin`s career wasn`t confined to club football. Her appointment by Agnelli to lead the bid for the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics was a significant challenge. Against formidable odds and initial skepticism from figures like French skiing legend Jean-Claude Killy, she clinched the bid, famously winning over IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch by engaging him on their shared love for football. Her administrative acumen was undeniable, navigating complex international politics with quiet resolve.
However, it was the 2021 Super League crisis that truly tested her loyalties. As a UEFA member on the FIFA Council, Christillin found herself in an unenviable position, caught between her deep-seated allegiance to the Agnelli family and her professional commitment to UEFA. Andrea Agnelli`s abrupt decision to join the breakaway league blindsided her, turning a night in UEFA`s “war room” into a personal tragedy. She vividly recalls the emotional toll, the feeling of betrayal, and a desperate drive to her parents` grave in Valle d`Aosta to process the heartbreak. While still holding affection and gratitude for the Agnelli family, her professional integrity demanded loyalty to UEFA in that defining moment. The Super League debacle left such a profound mark that, apart from a single farewell match for a friend in the women’s team, she has not returned to the Juventus Stadium since.
Navigating Life`s High-Stakes Slopes
Christillin`s narrative also touches upon profound personal moments, reflecting on the tragic suicide of Edoardo Agnelli, a “fragile” soul unable to bear the immense weight of his family name. Her observations hint at the isolated upbringing of children in such privileged circles, raised by nannies and distanced from their parents – a poignant reminder that even immense wealth doesn`t insulate from human vulnerability.
As a former skier, Christillin also speaks with a heavy heart about the recent deaths of young skiers Matteo Franzoso and Matilde Lorenzi. She highlights the alarming disparities in safety protocols between competition and training, and the increased risks posed by modern equipment that allows for greater speeds. “Every skier is aware of the risks,” she states, drawing a parallel to Formula One drivers, underscoring the inherent dangers in elite sports that demand both immense skill and constant vigilance.
Juventus Today: A Dignified Evolution
Today`s Juventus, she concedes, is “dignified.” It might not possess the overwhelming dominance of the Trapattoni, Lippi, or Conte eras, but it is a team “we make do with today.” This pragmatic assessment underscores her realistic perspective, balancing nostalgia with an understanding of football`s ever-changing landscape. Evelina Christillin remains a fascinating witness to history, a woman whose life story is intrinsically linked to the grand narrative of Italian sports, offering insights both profound and deeply personal.
Adrian Whitmore