At 80 years young, Gianni Petrucci is not just a name; he is a living compendium of Italian sports history, a man whose career has intersected with presidents, popes, and the occasional football legend. From steering the ship of CONI to his current role leading the Italian Basketball Federation, Petrucci`s journey is a masterclass in pragmatism, passion, and, perhaps most unconventionally, a strict adherence to minimal sleep.
A Life Forged in the Roman Nexus of Sport and Power
Petrucci`s entry into the hallowed halls of Italian sports administration wasn`t a grand, pre-ordained destiny, but rather a pragmatic sidestep from a burgeoning family clothing business. Imagine: a young Gianni, poised to inherit a Roman fashion empire, instead choosing the intricate world of CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee. His path was paved, in part, by a well-placed uncle at Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, the bank associated with Italy`s popular Totocalcio sports lottery. This initial step proved fortuitous, setting him on a trajectory that would define his life`s work.
Early in his career, Petrucci found a formidable mentor in Giulio Onesti, the visionary leader who transformed CONI into a global powerhouse. Onesti, whom Petrucci reverently describes as “a genius,” took the young administrator under his wing. It was Onesti who famously advised Petrucci to shed his nascent unionist aspirations for the sake of career progression – a piece of advice Petrucci, ever the pragmatist, promptly followed. This period laid the groundwork for a career characterized by an astute understanding of how to navigate the often-turbulent waters where sport, politics, and finance converge.
The Philosopher of Little Sleep and Pragmatic Alliances
Petrucci`s philosophy on life and work is as unique as his career path. Take his views on sleep, for instance. “I sleep very little,” he declares, “And I`ve noticed that those who do are smarter than others: they start earlier and have more time for things to do.” While modern science might gently disagree with this blanket statement, one can`t deny the man`s undeniable energy and longevity. However, even a non-sleeper needs his rituals: a sacred half-hour afternoon nap, a habit he proudly claims was also endorsed by none other than Gianni Agnelli, the legendary industrialist. “I`ve always tried to copy the lives of the greats,” Petrucci quips, “sometimes I delude myself into being one too.” A dash of self-aware irony, indeed.
This pragmatic approach extends to his political affiliations. Despite identifying as a “Christian Democrat, a center-leftist,” Petrucci boasts a remarkable record of collaborating effectively with six different heads of government, spanning Italy`s famously volatile political spectrum. His secret? A clear understanding that “sport belongs to the State.” While advocating for autonomy, he firmly believes that funding comes from the public purse, and thus, accountability to the state is paramount. It`s a philosophy born from experience: “You fight battles you can win,” he states, crediting his career`s upward trajectory solely to his own efforts, not political patronage.
Giants and Grand Gestures: Encounters with the Elite
Petrucci`s journey through Italian sports has naturally brought him into contact with some of the 20th and 21st centuries` most iconic figures. He speaks with reverence of Gianni Agnelli`s “tremendous charisma,” recalling how members of the IOC ethics committee, even alongside a titan like Henry Kissinger, would rise in respect at Agnelli`s mere presence. Then there`s Silvio Berlusconi, described as possessing “incredible sympathy” and generosity, personally gifting valuable watches to Olympic medalists.
Even the world of high fashion made its mark. When a major sponsor pulled out of providing Olympic uniforms, it was Petrucci`s “intuition” that led him to Giorgio Armani. The fashion mogul, through his CEO, enthusiastically stepped in, ensuring Italian athletes were impeccably dressed on the world stage. From dining with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle to meeting Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat, Petrucci`s Rolodex reads like a historical who`s who, a testament to his extensive influence and connections.
Lazio Heart, Roma Duty, and the Enduring Love for Basketball
Few tales encapsulate Petrucci`s pragmatic navigation of allegiances better than his stint as Vice President of AS Roma. A lifelong, passionate Lazio fan (“Little Laziale”), whose childhood memories are steeped in cheering for his team from the curva, he accepted the role at Roma at the behest of then-Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. This decision, predictably, led to “months of protest and two bodyguards following me everywhere.” It’s a testament to his commitment to public service, even when it meant crossing the sacred divide of Roman football rivalries.
But beyond football, Petrucci`s true sporting love, the one he continues to champion, is basketball. Despite often finding himself defending its prominence against football`s overwhelming shadow, he adamantly states, “After football, it`s the most known sport in the world.” His passion for the sport is palpable, evident in his continued leadership of the Italian Basketball Federation.
Moments of Ecstasy and Echoes of Disappointment
A career as long and varied as Petrucci`s is bound to be studded with highs and lows. The elation of Italy`s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory, particularly Francesco Totti`s dramatic penalty against Australia, saw him “totally lose it,” sprinting onto the field, ruining his suit, but utterly unconcerned. He recounts European basketball championships won under legendary coaches Sandro Gamba and Bogdan Tanjević with similar fondness.
Yet, the shadows of disappointment also loom. Doping cases, he admits, are a recurring lament. And while he refrains from naming all the figures, he pointedly includes Diego Maradona among those who disappointed. For Petrucci, Maradona remains “the greatest of all, forget Pelé,” a sentiment that speaks volumes about his personal admiration for raw talent, even when tarnished.
As Gianni Petrucci enters his ninth decade, his reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of Italian sports and politics. He is a figure defined by his pragmatism, his ability to navigate complex alliances, his unwavering dedication, and perhaps, his self-professed “maniacal” devotion to the printed word. A man who started by avoiding a clothing shop and ended up dressing Olympic athletes, influencing federations, and dining with royalty. His legacy is not just one of administrative success, but of a unique, resilient spirit that has left an indelible mark on Italy`s sporting landscape.
