The Agnelli family is set to take a more commanding role at Juventus in 2009, but blasted the Calciopoli trial as “a kangaroo court.”
Since the death of patriarchs Gianni and Umberto Agnelli in recent years, the FIAT owners have been less hands-on in their dealings with the club, but that is set to change.
There are reports John Elkann – the son of Margherita Agnelli and Alain Elkann – has been a regular fixture at the games, including when they dropped into Serie B, and next summer he is tipped to become the new Juve President.
Current chief Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was appointed in the wake of Calciopoli and his contract expires at the end of this season.
Elkann would be the fourth member of the Agnelli family to inhabit the role of President after Edoardo, Gianni and Umberto.
Meanwhile, Andrea Agnelli confirms the Bianconeri are firmly in the hands of his dynasty.
“While the family remains united, Juventus will be untouched. That’s the way it worked when my uncle and father were around and it will remain the case,” the son of Umberto told Tuttosport.
“Calciopoli was a kangaroo court, because it was dictated by the strict time limits. In two weeks of discussion at the Olimpico we never even got the chance to read the paperwork of the trial, as the calendars had to be drawn up.
“There is also another type of justice system, the real courts that take far longer and only at the conclusion of those trials can we understand what Calciopoli really was. I invite people to have patience.”
Disgraced general manager Luciano Moggi is promising big surprises when the trial begins in Naples in 2009, but Agnelli has another warning.
“Juventus did not only play and win in Italy. They also conquered the Champions League, UEFA Cup and European Super Cup, not to mention the Intercontinental title in 1996 in Tokyo and reaching more Champions League Finals.
“I would also note we had three Ballon d’Or winners in Zinedine Zidane, Pavel Nedved and Fabio Cannavaro. There were piles of Juve players in the 2006 World Cup Final. Make of that what you will.”
He also had a message for Inter President Massimo Moratti, who insists the Nerazzurri should’ve had more than the 2005-06 title reassigned to them.
“I love Massimo, but the fact he always goes back to the same thing means he’s stuck there. In my view there are no clean or dirty Scudetti, only titles and that is all.”
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