Arrigo Gattai

Arrigo Gattai was a manager and civil lawyer. In his youth he practiced table tennis, rugby, and athletics. Beginning in 1955 he worked in sports administration in both football, as a member of the council of F.C. Internazionale Milano from 1955-68, and skiing, as President of the Italian Ski Federation from 1976-87.

Gattai was made a member of the council of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) in 1977, and was named vice-president starting in 1978. He became President in 1987, defeating Primo Nebiolo, after the resignation of Franco Carraro. Gattai served until 1993, until he was defeated in a re-election bid by Mario Pescante, who had been CONI secretary-general. Gattai was known as a leader with a strong personality, not always easy to get along with, but he always faced difficult situations in a direct manner.