From childhood fan to a pivotal figure in global sports administration, Evelina Christillin offers a rare, insider`s view into the intertwined worlds of Italian football, high society, and the legendary Agnelli dynasty.
In the intricate tapestry of Italian sport, few figures can claim a perspective as rich and multi-faceted as Evelina Christillin. A former competitive skier, a key player in securing the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, and a distinguished member of the FIFA Council, her life has been inextricably linked with the fortunes of Juventus Football Club and, perhaps more significantly, with the iconic Agnelli family. Her narrative is not just a chronicle of sporting events but a captivating glimpse into the personal dynamics, triumphs, and tribulations that have shaped a nation`s passion.
A Childhood Devotion to Juventus and the Avvocato`s Circle
Christillin’s journey with Juventus began in the 1966-67 season, a time when most girls coveted animal sticker albums, she insisted on collecting footballers. Her early heroes included rugged defender Sandro Salvadore and, rather endearingly, players from Venezia with their distinct black and green shirts. This passion was no fleeting fancy; it was amplified by her proximity to the Agnelli family. As a schoolmate of Gianni Agnelli’s daughter, Margherita, and with her father, Emilio, a close friend of “The Avvocato” himself, Christillin grew up within the inner sanctum of Italy`s industrial and sporting aristocracy.
Gianni Agnelli, a man of legendary wit and influence, quickly took notice of young Evelina. He affectionately nicknamed her “Moon Face” for her youthful, round complexion. Their relationship deepened, with Agnelli often taking her on exhilarating helicopter trips to ski resorts, keen to assess her skiing prowess. It was an environment where football legends mingled with family friends; Christillin herself recalls playing bridge with Juventus stars Beppe Furino and Oscar Damiani, a charming contrast to the typical fan experience.
The Wit and Wisdom of Gianni Agnelli
Agnelli’s character shines through Christillin’s anecdotes. His famous playful teasing of President Boniperti, particularly over the latter`s perceived failure to sign a young Diego Maradona, highlights a man who reveled in a good-natured jab. Boniperti, in turn, would jest about being “too Catholic” for a player whose name evoked the Virgin Mary. Agnelli’s international network, even in the pre-internet age, was formidable, allowing him to scout talents like Maradona through contacts stretching to Fiat Argentina.
His shrewd observations and memorable pronouncements were legendary. Platini, acquired for a modest sum, prompted the famous remark: “We bought Platini for a crust of bread and put foie gras on top.” Agnelli`s admiration for Platini stemmed from the Frenchman`s rare intelligence and ability to “stand up” to The Avvocato, engaging in repartee where others remained silently deferential. Yet, his influence had its bounds; Christillin firmly states that Agnelli never interfered with team selections. This was evident in his silent disapproval of Moggi and Giraudo`s decision to sell Zidane to Real Madrid, a move he had been assured would never happen.
From Olympic Bid to Super League Tempest
Christillin’s career expanded beyond the stands and the Agnelli family helicopter. In 1998, Agnelli tapped her to lead the bid committee for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics. Despite initial skepticism from powerful figures like Jean-Claude Killy, and Agnelli’s playfully sardonic feedback (“They say you are sympathetic and pretty…”), she persevered. A football-centric conversation with IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch proved decisive, turning a “one in a thousand” chance into a successful Olympic bid.
However, her deepest personal and professional test came with the ill-fated Super League project in 2021. As a member of the FIFA Council representing UEFA, Christillin found herself caught in a perfect storm. Andrea Agnelli, the then-Juventus president, was a key architect of the breakaway league, putting her loyalty to UEFA directly at odds with her lifelong ties to the Agnelli family and Juventus. She described it as a “tragic night” in the UEFA war room, witnessing President Ceferin fielding calls from European heads of state.
Suspected by some of being a “snake in the grass” for Andrea Agnelli, she found reassurance in Ceferin`s trust. Unaware of Andrea`s plans, the emotional toll was immense. She recounts driving alone back to Turin, making a detour to her parents` grave in Valle d`Aosta to weep and seek solace. This profound moment marked a personal withdrawal; she has since avoided the Juventus Stadium, making an exception only for a friend’s farewell match.
Reflections on Calciopoli, Tragedy, and the Current Juventus
Christillin also offers her insights into Juventus’s darker chapters. On the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, she believes Gianni Agnelli would have stoically accepted the Serie B relegation, much like his chosen heir, John Elkann. She candidly observes the “psychological subservience” referees sometimes exhibited towards Juventus, while acknowledging that issues were not exclusive to one club.
Her life has also touched profound personal tragedies. The suicide of Edoardo Agnelli, Margherita`s brother, whom she describes as “wonderful but fragile,” underscored the immense pressure that can accompany such a prominent family name. As a former skier, she speaks with deep sadness and understanding about recent fatal accidents in the sport, lamenting the increased speeds and the stark difference in safety standards between training and competition, drawing parallels to Formula One`s inherent risks.
Today`s Juventus, she observes, is “ordered” and “dignified.” While not harboring illusions of a return to the glory days of Trapattoni, Lippi, or Conte, she finds the current iteration to be “enough for now.” Her connection to the Agnelli family remains, a complex blend of gratitude, affection, and professional integrity. Despite the Super League schism, she maintains a good relationship with Andrea Agnelli`s mother, Allegra, and exchanges greetings with Andrea himself at their shared ski club in Sestriere.
Evelina Christillin`s journey is a testament to a life lived at the heart of Italian sport and society. Her story is one of unwavering passion, astute observation, and the quiet strength to navigate the public and private complexities of a world where football is more than just a game—it`s a way of life, intrinsically linked to identity, legacy, and profound human emotion.
