Gianni Petrucci at 80: From CONI President to Basketball Leader, a Life in Sport and Politics
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Gianni Petrucci, the former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and current head of Federbasket (the Italian Basketball Federation), recently celebrated his 80th birthday, reflecting on a remarkable career spanning sport, politics, and Italian society. The veteran leader, who has advised six different heads of goverment, shared insights into his life, work ethic, and the key figures who shaped his journey.
A Life of Early Rising and Strategic Thinking
Petrucci, known for his relentless energy, revealed a surprising secret to his productivity: minimal sleep. He wakes at 4:30 am, dedicating the early hours to reading newspapers and preparing for the day. He contrasted this with the habits of othre powerful figures, like the late industrialist commanded respect even on the international stage, and the generosity of Silvio Berlusconi, who personally gifted watches to Olympic winners.
Petrucci’s ability to forge relationships with Italy’s most influential figures has been crucial to his success. He recounted how he secured Giorgio armani as the sponsor for Italian Games uniforms after Gilberto Benetton’s Playlife line was no longer available, demonstrating a knack for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities.
His path wasn’t always straightforward. Petrucci’s early life saw him considering a career in his family’s clothing business, but a connection through his uncle at the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro led him to CONI. He credits Giulio Onesti, a pivotal figure in Italian sports administration, with taking him under his wing and modernizing the organization.
Political entanglements and Sporting Loyalties
petrucci’s involvement in sport inevitably intertwined with Italian politics. He served as vice president of Roma despite being a Lazio supporter – a position secured through the intervention of Giulio Andreotti,which sparked protests and required personal security.he reminisced about attending Lazio matches, recalling a controversial goal disallowed due to a hole in the net.
A self-described Christian Democrat, Petrucci emphasized the importance of the state’s role in supporting sport, advocating for a system were the state delegates to CONI and CONI to the federations.He asserted his independence,stating,”I owe my career only to myself,no politician has given me a hand.”
A Journalist at Heart, Challenged by the Press
Despite his administrative achievements, Petrucci harbored a lifelong passion for journalism, remaining registered as a publicist until recently. “I’m a print media addict,” he confessed, “At 6.30 I’ve already read the whole review. I always say that those who don’t read aren’t lucky.” Though, he acknowledged a challenging relationship with the press, specifically recalling the scrutiny he faced from journalist cannavò, whose front-page articles, particularly one demanding the abolition of the hunting federation, “made me break out in a cold sweat.”
A Global Outlook and Enduring Passions
Petrucci’s influence extended beyond Italy’s borders, with experiences like dining with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle and engaging with world leaders like Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat. Basketball, however, remains his core passion, and he expressed frustration with any attempts to diminish the sport’s importance, asserting it is second only to football in global popularity. He celebrated Italy’s successes in both football – the 2006 World Cup victory – and basketball, highlighting the European Championship triumphs.
He vividly recalled the euphoria of Italy’s 2006 World cup win, recounting running onto the pitch to embrace Francesco totti after his winning penalty. He also acknowledged the issue of doping in sport, referencing the case of Diego Maradona, whom he considered the greatest footballer of all time.
Petrucci concluded by emphasizing his faith and gratitude, expressing thanks for surviving a car accident with his wife. His life, a testament to dedication, strategic thinking, and a deep love for sport, continues to shape the landscape of Italian athletics.
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