Evelina Christillin: The Unyielding Witness to Juventus’s Legacy and Italian Sport’s Shifting Tides

From Panini Albums to Alpine Slopes: A Childhood Forged in Passion

Before she became a household name in sports administration, Evelina Christillin was, quite simply, a fan. Her earliest memories paint a picture of a young girl in the mid-1960s, a rare breed among her peers, who eschewed animal sticker books for the coveted Panini football albums. Her passion wasn`t a fleeting fancy; it was deeply ingrained, leading her to idolize players like Sandro Salvadore of Juventus and even develop a soft spot for Venezia`s black and green jerseys.

This early love for the beautiful game would eventually intertwine with another passion: skiing. Christillin excelled on the slopes, even reaching the national B team and participating in World Cup races. It was through this pursuit, and a family friendship with the legendary Gianni Agnelli, that her world expanded into the upper echelons of Italian society. Agnelli, the iconic head of Fiat and a driving force behind Juventus, recognized a spark in young Evelina. He would famously ferry her to the mountains in his helicopter, often observing her technique and even bestowing upon her the affectionate, if slightly candid, nickname “Moon Face” due to her round features. This early exposure to Agnelli`s world offered her a front-row seat to the powerful intersection of industry, sport, and aristocracy.

The Architect of Torino 2006: A Test of Tenacity

Christillin`s journey wasn`t merely about proximity to power; it was about wielding it effectively. In 1998, Gianni Agnelli entrusted her with a monumental task: to lead the promotional committee for Turin`s bid to host the 2006 Winter Olympics. This was no small feat, particularly for a woman in a predominantly male-dominated sphere. Initial meetings with influential figures like Jean-Claude Killy and Juan Antonio Samaranch yielded lukewarm responses, with Killy giving her a “one in a thousand” chance.

Undeterred, Christillin`s tenacity shone through. She leveraged her natural charm and sharp intellect, eventually winning over Samaranch, then President of the IOC, by discussing football – a universal language. Her perseverance paid off, securing the Olympic bid for Turin and bringing an international spectacle to her home region. This period cemented her reputation as a capable administrator, proving that her appointments were not just a matter of connection, but of genuine competence.

Gianni Agnelli: The Master Strategist and His Quirks

Evelina Christillin`s anecdotes about Gianni Agnelli offer a rare, intimate glimpse into the mind of one of Italy`s most influential industrialists. Agnelli, a man of profound intellect and subtle humor, had a unique way of interacting with his football empire. His famous nicknames for players – “Bello di notte” (Handsome by Night) for Zbigniew Boniek, “Pinturicchio” for Alessandro Del Piero, “Coniglio Bagnato” (Wet Rabbit) for Roberto Baggio – weren`t merely descriptive; they were astute observations delivered with characteristic wit. Boniek`s quick retort about wearing sunglasses during a daytime game perfectly encapsulates the playful, yet respectful, dynamic Agnelli fostered.

Agnelli`s influence, however, was rarely overt in football matters. While he famously expressed displeasure at the sale of Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, having been assured by management that it wouldn`t happen, he reportedly chose silent anger over interference. This highlights his understanding of boundaries between ownership and operational management. Christillin also recalls his benevolent view of cross-city rivals Torino, a respect born from shared regional pride and a poignant memory of the Superga tragedy, a far cry from the fervent animosity of modern fanbases.

Perhaps most endearingly, Agnelli`s playful jabs at Juventus president Giampiero Boniperti – for not signing a young Maradona, allegedly due to Boniperti`s “too Catholic” stance on the name`s perceived blasphemy – showcase a leader who understood the importance of camaraderie and tradition, even amidst fierce competition. These stories paint a picture of a bygone era, where football was a blend of high-stakes business and deeply personal connections.

Navigating the Storms: Calciopoli and the Super League Betrayal

Christillin`s career wasn`t without its severe tests, particularly during moments of crisis that shook Italian football to its core. She offers a candid perspective on the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, suggesting that Gianni Agnelli, had he been alive, would have accepted the Serie B relegation with a heavy heart, similar to his grandson John Elkann`s approach. Crucially, she admits that Juventus, during that era, likely benefited from a “psychological subservience” on the part of referees, a remarkably frank admission from a lifelong Juventus loyalist.

Yet, it was the Super League saga in 2021 that truly put her personal and professional loyalties to the ultimate test. As a UEFA Council member, she found herself in the “war room” in Montreux, Switzerland, as Andrea Agnelli, a close family friend and then Juventus chairman, led the charge for the breakaway league. It was a “tragic night,” she recounts, feeling the weight of suspicion that she might be a “snake in the bosom” for Andrea. Her integrity, however, remained resolute. She offered her resignation to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who refused it, stating his trust in her loyalty.

The emotional toll was immense. Returning to Turin, she made a detour to the cemetery where her parents were buried, finding solace in a tearful confession to their graves. The Super League left an indelible mark; she has not returned to the Juventus Stadium since, except for a farewell match for a women`s team player. Her enduring affection for the Agnelli family, particularly Andrea`s mother Allegra, remains, but her professional allegiance to UEFA during that crisis superseded all personal ties. It`s a poignant illustration of navigating conflicting loyalties in the brutal world of modern sports politics.

Reflections on Loss and the Enduring Spirit of Sport

Beyond the high-stakes world of football and Olympic bids, Christillin remains deeply connected to the human element of sport. Her sorrow over recent skiing tragedies, particularly the deaths of young talents Matteo Franzoso and Matilde Lorenzi, whom she watched grow up, is palpable. She highlights the stark difference in safety protocols between competitive races and training sessions, and the impact of modern equipment on speed and risk. It`s a sober reminder that beneath the glamor of professional sports lies an inherent danger, a parallel she draws with Formula One drivers.

As for the current state of her beloved Juventus, Christillin offers a grounded, pragmatic assessment. She sees a “dignified” team, acknowledging that it might not reach the legendary heights of the Trapattoni, Lippi, or Conte eras, but it is “sufficient for now.” This perspective, free from the often-delusional optimism or despair of fervent fans, underscores her balanced and experienced view.

An Enduring Legacy of Insight

Evelina Christillin`s journey is far more than a collection of anecdotes; it is a vital historical account from a unique vantage point. She embodies a rare blend of inherited privilege, earned competence, and unwavering integrity. Her narrative provides essential insights into the complex evolution of Italian football, the profound impact of figures like Gianni Agnelli, and the seismic shifts in global sports governance. As a bridge between old-world charm and modern professional ethics, her voice remains a compelling and indispensable commentary on the enduring power and occasional pitfalls of sport.