In a nation where sport often intertwines with politics and passion, few figures embody this complex tapestry quite like Gianni Petrucci. As he recently marked his 80th birthday, a career spanning decades at the helm of Italian sport administration comes into sharp focus—a journey replete with high-stakes decisions, unexpected alliances, and an unwavering commitment to the games he loves. Far from a quiet retirement, Petrucci remains a dynamic force, currently steering the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) with the same astute hand that once guided the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
From Fabric to Federations: An Unconventional Path
Petrucci`s trajectory into the upper echelons of Italian sport was, by his own admission, somewhat serendipitous. Eschewing the family`s clothing business, a path that held little appeal, he found his calling within the sporting world. His entry into CONI, facilitated by a well-placed relative, was a pivotal moment. There, he fell under the tutelage of Giulio Onesti, the legendary CONI president credited with transforming the committee into a global model.
“He took me under his protective wing,” Petrucci recalls of Onesti, a man he describes as a genius. “The politicians chose him as extraordinary commissioner, and he revolutionized CONI, making it the world`s leading Olympic committee with jewels like Coverciano and the Institute of Sports Medicine.”
This early mentorship clearly shaped Petrucci`s understanding of sport`s institutional role and its intricate relationship with the state.
The Art of Diplomacy: Navigating Politics and Power
Petrucci`s career is a testament to his remarkable ability to navigate the often-treacherous waters of Italian politics. A self-proclaimed Christian Democrat—a “centrist of the left” who nonetheless found common ground with the right—he boasts a track record of working amicably with six different heads of government. His philosophy is clear: sport, while autonomous, is ultimately a matter of the state, and state funds necessitate state oversight.
His anecdotes about Italy`s most prominent figures paint a vivid picture of the era:
- Gianni Agnelli: “Agnelli had tremendous charisma. When he was on the IOC ethics committee with Kissinger, all members would rise out of respect when he entered.”
- Silvio Berlusconi: A figure of “incredible charm” and generosity, who personally gifted valuable watches to Olympic medalists.
- Giulio Andreotti: The political giant who orchestrated Petrucci`s unexpected stint as Vice President of AS Roma, a move that, for a devout Lazio fan, was certainly… memorable. “Months of protest and two bodyguards following me everywhere,” he recounts with a hint of irony.
Even a foray into trade unionism within CONI was swiftly concluded on Onesti`s pragmatic advice: “To advance your career, you must leave the union.” A lesson in strategic foresight, perhaps.
A Man of Discipline and Details
Beyond the political maneuvering, Petrucci reveals a disciplined, almost ascetic, personal regimen. His secret to productivity? Minimal sleep. “I`ve noticed that those who sleep little are more intelligent than others: they start earlier and have more time for things to do,” he muses, though he confesses a vital half-hour afternoon nap, a habit he “copied” from the great Gianni Agnelli.
His devotion extends to the printed word. A former registered publicist, he is a self-confessed “maniac for printed paper.” By 6:30 AM, his daily news review is complete. “I always say that those who don`t read don`t have good fortune,” a principle he applied even when clashing with formidable newspaper editors like Candido Cannavò, whose front-page editorials could make him “sweat cold.”
Petrucci`s touch also reached beyond the purely administrative. During his CONI presidency, he secured a groundbreaking partnership with fashion icon Giorgio Armani to design Italian Olympic team uniforms, a testament to his innovative spirit and keen eye for prestige.
Passion on the Pitch and Court
Despite his administrative roles often placing him in neutral territory, Petrucci’s deep-seated passion for sport is undeniable. A “Lazialotto” from his youth, frequenting Termini Station to bid farewell to his beloved Lazio team and attending practices at Tor di Quinto, his loyalty was tested during his tenure as Roma`s Vice President. Yet, his love for football, and indeed sport itself, transcends club rivalries.
His most cherished sporting memory? Not a basketball triumph, but the sheer delirium of Francesco Totti’s 95th-minute penalty against Australia in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a moment that saw him “go completely mad,” rushing onto the field to embrace Totti, suit be damned. His joy, however, is tempered by the “quite a few doping cases,” including, to his regret, the footballing deity Diego Maradona, whom he unequivocally declares “the greatest of all, not Pelé.”
Basketball, of course, remains his steadfast professional passion, where he continues to serve as FIP president. He bristles at any suggestion of its diminishment: “After football, it is the most known sport in the world.”
A Legacy Defined by Dedication
Gianni Petrucci`s career is more than a list of titles and achievements; it`s a living history of Italian sport, punctuated by powerful personalities and profound dedication. From dining with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle to encounters with Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat, his life has been extraordinarily rich. A devout Catholic who daily gives thanks for his blessings, including surviving a car accident unscathed, Petrucci embodies a blend of pragmatic administrator, passionate fan, and deeply human character.
At 80, he stands as a unique and enduring architect of Italian sport, proving that true influence often comes not from grand pronouncements, but from decades of diligent work, strategic alliances, and an unshakeable belief in the power and purpose of sport.
