Juventus fans relive Villar Perosa tradition as Elkann watches

On a crisp autumn afternoon at the modest Villar Perosa field, John Elkann stood beside Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti, watching the first half of the friendly between Juventus A and Juventus B. The sight instantly transported fans back to the era when Gianni Agnelli or his brother Umberto would follow the game from the bench.

The tradition began in 1959 at the behest of the Avvocato, who instituted the intra‑club match on the Villar Perosa pitch. It became a yearly fixture that linked the senior and reserve squads of Juventus.

Six‑decade tradition at Villar Perosa

The friendly endured for more than 60 years, continuing uninterrupted until 2022. After that season, Juventus chose to move the family‑style test to the Allianz Stadium.

Those matches were played in the small village of Val Chisone, nestled in the Alpine foothills. They left behind unforgettable images, stories and curious anecdotes that still circulate among supporters.

Among the recollections are the arrival of players by car or helicopter, the Avvocato’s jokes, and the mischievous pranks of the squad. The Avvocato even shared a moment with Del Piero, nicknamed “Godot”, and witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal on the field.

Juventus described the relocation as moving the “test in family” to the Allianz Stadium, a change implemented in the season following 2022.