The tension between Andrea Agnelli and Juventus’ hardcore fan base, the Curva Sud, has reached a boiling point. A banner displayed by the organised supporters delivered a scathing rebuke to the former president: “Abuse and convictions with your complicity… A.A. stay away from this club.” The message was further amplified on social media, with the Drughi group declaring on Instagram, “Andrea Agnelli, we don’t want you!”
This strong stance comes amidst rumours regarding potential changes within Juventus’ ownership. Reports had speculated about Exor, the club’s majority shareholder, possibly selling the club—a claim that has since been denied. Exor has instead reiterated its commitment to Juventus, signalling its willingness to inject fresh capital to stabilize the club’s financial situation. However, whispers of Andrea Agnelli’s return to a leadership role have sparked fierce opposition from the Curva Sud.
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Agnelli’s tenure as president, which spanned 12 years, remains deeply polarizing. On one hand, he oversaw a period of domestic dominance for Juventus; on the other, his administration was marred by financial scandals and controversies. In 2017, he admitted that ultra leaders pressured the club for free tickets that were later resold illegally—a scheme that led to arrests in 2019 and prison sentences for several ultras last month. His resignation in November 2022 followed allegations of accounting fraud and a subsequent 10-point penalty in Serie A.
Despite his exit from Juventus’ presidency, Agnelli remains co-owner of the club through his family’s Giovanni Agnelli Bv holding company. This connection has fueled speculation about his potential return, but experts deem it unlikely. If he were to rejoin Juventus in any capacity, it would likely be as president under an agreement with his cousin John Elkann, Exor’s chairman.
