Agnelli Asks For Title As 80th Birthday Present
Wednesday 14th March 2001
What do give to a man that already has everything? Giovanni Agnelli
celebrated reaching his 80th year on Monday, but the Juventus owner was in
no doubt about what he wanted for his birthday. "I would like a 26th
Scudetto," said the octogenarian.
The Agnelli family are as synonymous with Juventus as they are with the Fiat
and Ferrari motoring industry and the Corriere Della Sera newspaper. The
club's current owner, who was in Paris with Michel Platini to celebrate his
birthday, is still as hungry for success as ever.
"I have been a Juventus supporter for 75 years," he said. "My family has
been associated with the club since 1923 - from Combi through to Zidane -
but whenever I see the team take the field in their famous black and white
shirts I feel really emotional.
"For this birthday, I am asking my players for a present - I would like a
26th Scudetto, if at all possible."
Agnelli may be an industry magnate and a prominent figure in Italian
society, but he has the same feelings towards his football team as your
average working class Juventino.
"Juventus to me is something positive, even during difficult times. A win by
your team can help you get through your life."
