As Gianni Petrucci recently marked his 80th birthday, the occasion served not merely as a personal celebration but as a potent reminder of a career unparalleled in Italian sports and public life. For decades, Petrucci has been a central, often pivotal, figure, first as president of CONI (the Italian National Olympic Committee) and currently at the helm of FIP (the Italian Basketball Federation). His journey offers a unique lens through which to view modern Italy – a tapestry woven with threads of sport, politics, and a surprising number of legendary personalities.
The Unconventional Rhythms of a Statesman
One might expect a titan of public administration to maintain a regimented schedule, but Petrucci`s approach is distinctly his own. He famously admits to sleeping “very little,” a habit he attributes (with a hint of self-amused irony) to heightened intelligence, allowing more time for the day`s pursuits. Yet, even the sharpest minds acknowledge limits. His indispensable “mezz`ora” (half-hour) afternoon nap, a ritual he credits to none other than Gianni Agnelli, the legendary Fiat patriarch, underscores a pragmatic wisdom. “I`ve always tried to copy the lives of the great,” Petrucci quips, “every now and then I delude myself into thinking I am one too.”
This blend of relentless drive and strategic rest is paired with a steadfast devotion to the printed word. A self-professed “maniac of the printed paper,” he insists that by 6:30 AM, he has already consumed his entire news review. “He who doesn`t read has no luck,” he states, a maxim that perhaps explains his ability to navigate the complex currents of Italian public opinion and political machinations for so long.
Navigating the Corridors of Power: From Berlusconi to Andreotti
Petrucci`s career is a masterclass in political longevity and adaptability. He proudly notes his ability to foster productive relationships with six different heads of government, regardless of their political stripe. His self-identification as a “Christian Democrat, a left-leaning centrist who has always gotten along well with the right,” perfectly encapsulates the pragmatic spirit often required in Italian politics. He holds a firm philosophy: “Sport belongs to the State. The State delegates to CONI, and CONI to the federations. Sport must be autonomous, yes, but with a grain of salt: the money comes from the State.” This technical yet candid assessment reveals the bedrock of his long-standing influence.
His anecdotes about Italy`s most iconic figures offer fascinating glimpses behind the curtain:
- Gianni Agnelli: Petrucci recalls Agnelli`s “clamorous charisma,” noting how members of the IOC ethics committee, including Henry Kissinger, would rise in respect upon his entry.
- Silvio Berlusconi: Described as “incredibly sympathetic” and “generous,” Berlusconi once personally gifted high-value watches to all Olympic winners, a gesture Petrucci gratefully remembers.
- Giorgio Armani: A moment of astute administrative vision led Petrucci to Armani when Olympic uniform sponsorship was needed. The fashion giant, through his CEO, was “enthusiastic.”
- Giulio Onesti: Petrucci`s mentor and the “genius” who transformed CONI into a world-leading Olympic committee, establishing institutions like Coverciano and the Sports Medicine Institute.
- Giulio Andreotti: The political maestro behind Petrucci`s unlikely tenure as vice-president of AS Roma, a peculiar assignment for a lifelong Lazio fan.
Beyond Italian borders, Petrucci`s network extended to the highest echelons of global leadership, including dining with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle and meeting Middle Eastern statesmen Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat.
From the Shop Floor to the Sports Federations
Petrucci`s path into sports administration was far from preordained. Born the third of three brothers, he was expected to take over his father`s clothing store in Rome. “For heaven`s sake…” he recounts, indicating his lack of enthusiasm. The opportunity to join CONI arrived through a familial connection – an uncle who was an inspector at Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, the bank associated with Italy`s Totocalcio lottery. Petrucci “jumped at the chance.” His early career even included a stint as a union leader within CONI, forming the Cisl-Coni union, only to be advised by Onesti, “To make a career, you must leave the union.” And so he did, a testament to his pragmatic pursuit of influence.
A devout “Lazialotto” (a passionate Lazio fan) since childhood, recalling days in the curva (fan section) and memorable, slightly absurd, disallowed goals, Petrucci`s appointment as vice-president of rival club AS Roma was an exercise in political necessity, orchestrated by Andreotti himself. This willingness to serve beyond personal allegiances for the greater good of the sport (or perhaps political stability) speaks volumes about his character.
Basketball`s Staunch Defender and the Highs and Lows of Sport
Despite his broad involvement across various disciplines, basketball remains Petrucci`s enduring passion. As current FIP president, he expresses frustration when the sport is “underestimated,” firmly asserting its status as the world`s second most popular sport after football. His legacy in basketball includes leading the Italian national team to two European Championship victories, under coaches Gamba and Tanjevic.
His memories are punctuated by triumphant moments: the euphoria of Italy`s 2006 FIFA World Cup win, vividly recalling Francesco Totti`s 95th-minute penalty against Australia. “I went completely crazy, ran down the stairs and onto the field to hug him,” he recollects, the ruined suit a minor casualty in the face of such elation.
Yet, a career spanning decades also inevitably encounters disappointment. Petrucci candidly addresses the “quite a few doping cases” that marred the sports world, acknowledging the pain of seeing heroes fall. Among them, he mentions Diego Maradona, whom he considers “the greatest of all, not Pelé,” a poignant nod to the complex, flawed brilliance that often defines sporting legends.
The Enduring Architect
Gianni Petrucci`s life is a masterclass in longevity, adaptation, and understated influence. He is not merely an administrator but an architect, a chronicler, and a survivor in the often tumultuous arenas of Italian sport and politics. At 80, still at the heart of Italian basketball, his story is a testament to the power of passion, pragmatism, and a keen understanding of the intricate dance between public service and personal conviction.
