In the grand theater of Italian sports, few figures command as much respect and insight as Evelina Christillin. A woman of remarkable versatility, her life weaves through the echelons of competitive skiing, the inner circles of Juventus football club, and the high-stakes world of international sports governance. From her childhood adoration for football to her pivotal role in the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics and her candid navigation of football`s most tumultuous scandals, Christillin offers a unique, unfiltered perspective on an era defined by passion, power, and profound change.
The Genesis of a Lifelong Passion: Juventus and the Agnelli Legacy
Christillin`s journey into the heart of Italian football began not on the pitch, but in the innocent pages of a Panini sticker album. While other girls collected animal stickers, young Evelina was meticulously completing her collection of footballers, a testament to a burgeoning, lifelong obsession. Her affinity for Juventus was nurtured by a singular connection: a deep, familial bond with Gianni Agnelli, the legendary industrialist and “Avvocato” (Lawyer) who embodied the spirit of Juventus. As a schoolmate of Agnelli`s daughter, Margherita, and with her own father being a close friend of Agnelli, Christillin grew up intimately familiar with the family, observing firsthand the dynamics of a dynasty inextricably linked to the club.
Agnelli, known for his piercing intellect and playful wit, affectionately nicknamed her “Moon Face” due to her round visage. This personal touch underscored a relationship that would evolve from childhood camaraderie into professional mentorship, setting the stage for Christillin`s future endeavors far beyond the touchline.
From Alpine Slopes to Olympic Glory: A Leader Emerges
Before her executive roles, Christillin was an accomplished alpine skier, competing on the national B-team and participating in World Cup races. Though she humbly describes herself as “bravina, non bravissima” (good, not great), her talent didn`t escape Gianni Agnelli`s keen eye. It was Agnelli who, after observing her skiing prowess, invited her on his helicopter for ski trips, a privilege reserved for a select few. This early exposure to high-altitude performance and high-stakes company honed her resilience and leadership qualities.
Her biggest test, however, came in 1998 when Agnelli appointed her president of the bid committee for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics. Confronted with skepticism – a “one in a thousand chance” according to French ski legend Jean-Claude Killy – Christillin persevered. Her anecdote of discussing only football with IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch in Barcelona, rather than Olympic logistics, is a classic Agnelli-esque maneuver, suggesting perhaps the “Avvocato`s” influence permeated even the most unexpected conversations. Against the odds, she secured the bid, transforming Turin into an Olympic host city and proving her mettle on a global stage.
Agnelli`s Juventus: Wit, Wisdom, and the Unforgettable Personalities
Christillin`s narrative is replete with vivid recollections of Agnelli`s unique leadership style. His helicopter rides weren`t just for skiing; they often included stops at Villar Perosa to greet the team before whisking off to matches in Turin. She recounts his legendary pranks on president Giampiero Boniperti, particularly during heated derby matches against Torino. Boniperti, unable to bear the tension, would leave the stadium early, only for Agnelli to later invent outlandish match scenarios, much to Boniperti`s bewildered “Non è possibile!” (It`s not possible!).
Agnelli`s discerning taste in players extended beyond mere talent. He held a special admiration for Michel Platini, not just for his “foie gras” football (acquired for “a crust of bread,” as Agnelli famously quipped) but because Platini had the rare intellect and courage to challenge Agnelli`s witty remarks. This intellectual sparring earned Platini a unique place in the Avvocato`s esteem. Conversely, Agnelli`s silent fury over the sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, despite reassurances from club executives Moggi and Giraudo, reveals his deep personal investment in the team, even when he refrained from interfering in operational decisions. His nicknames for players – “Bello di Notte” (Beauty of the Night) for Zbigniew Boniek, “Pinturicchio” for Alessandro Del Piero, “Coniglio Bagnato” (Wet Rabbit) for Roberto Baggio – were sharp, affectionate, and iconic, cementing his legendary status.
Navigating the Storms: Calciopoli and Super League
Christillin`s account also delves into darker chapters of Italian football history. Reflecting on the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, she acknowledges the psychological advantage Juventus held over referees, a candid admission from a lifelong Bianconeri fan. She believes Gianni Agnelli, with a heavy heart, would have accepted the Serie B relegation, much like his nephew John Elkann did. Her loyalty to Juventus is unwavering, but her integrity as a sports administrator runs deeper.
This was most starkly tested during the Super League controversy in 2021. As a UEFA board member in FIFA, Christillin found herself in the eye of a perfect storm. Andrea Agnelli, then Juventus chairman, joined the breakaway league, a move she claims she was unaware of. The “tragic night” in UEFA`s war room, with President Ceferin receiving calls from world leaders, was a crucible of loyalty. Despite suspicions, Ceferin affirmed his trust in her. This episode led to a profound personal crisis, compelling her to seek solace at her parents` grave. The Super League, a clash between her professional obligations and her deep-seated love for the Agnelli family and Juventus, forced her to choose integrity, a decision that led her to step away from attending Juventus matches at the stadium, with one notable exception for a friend`s farewell game.
A Dignified Present, An Uncertain Future
Today, Christillin maintains a cordial but distant relationship with Andrea Agnelli, their children`s shared ski club providing a quiet common ground. Her enduring gratitude to the Agnelli family remains, a testament to her profound sense of loyalty. Yet, her professional integrity stands paramount: “I have Juventus in my heart and always will, but in the days of the Super League, I worked for UEFA and had to be loyal to UEFA.”
Her assessment of the current Juventus team is pragmatic: “The team seems orderly. I don`t delude myself, there`s a long way to go, and I don`t think it will ever become the Juve of Trapattoni, Lippi, or Conte, but it`s a dignified Juve, and today, we make do with it.” It`s a statement reflecting realism rather than resignation, echoing a deep understanding of the cyclical nature of sport.
Beyond the Headlines: The Human Element
Christillin`s journey is not just about boardrooms and trophies; it`s steeped in human experiences. She shares the poignant memory of Edoardo Agnelli`s tragic suicide, a young man she grew up with, whose fragility and the immense pressure of his family legacy ultimately overwhelmed him. She also reflects on the heart-wrenching loss of young ski talents, Matteo Franzoso and Matilde Lorenzi, who trained at her beloved Sestriere ski club. These moments underscore the inherent risks and profound human cost that often lie beneath the glamorous veneer of professional sports.
An Enduring Legacy
Evelina Christillin`s story is a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and integrity. From a child mesmerized by football to a key player in international sports politics, she has witnessed, shaped, and reflected upon some of the most significant moments in Italian and global sports. Her journey offers a rare, insider`s view, blending the personal with the professional, and reminding us that behind every grand sporting spectacle are individuals with complex loyalties, profound experiences, and an enduring love for the game.