Today marks the twentieth anniversary of Gianni Agnelli's death. "L'Avvocato," an icon of an Italy that no longer exists, stayed at the head of Fiat, the Turin automobile business established by his grandfather Giovanni, for over four decades. Yesterday, President Sergio Mattarella paid tribute to him in the newspaper La Repubblica for his charm and leadership, calling him the "ambassador of an Italy propelled by an innovative and dynamic spirit." The quips, the style, and the mimicked styles of the senator for life, born on March 12, 1921 in Turin, who is widely regarded as Europe's last industrial captain, will never be forgotten. This includes everything from his signature blue blazer and worn trousers to his burgundy moccasins, his watch on the cuff to the tie on his pullover. He was completely and utterly obsessed with Ferraris and the team of his heart, Juventus, of which he served as president for 47 years. Gianni Agnelli passed away on January 24, 2003, at the age of 82, in his Turin residence, Villa Frescot.
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