The renowned singer and TV personality, also the composer of Juventus`s anthem, shares a heartwarming anecdote: “We adopted Vladik when he was seven. At night, I`d whisper `Juve` to him, hoping it would be his very first Italian word.”
In his latest single, “Tutto l’amore che c’è” (All the Love There Is), you can hear an energetic “alé oh oh.” Belli explains, “This song is an anthem to life, meant for everyone to dance to, singing just like in a stadium.” His profound passion for football and his beloved Juventus remains a central theme in Paolo Belli`s life. As the leader of the Big Band on “Ballando con le Stelle” (Dancing with the Stars), he jokingly compares his role to a coach, always “asking the guys for the three points” before a concert. Belli is also the proud author of the Bianconeri anthem.
“When the anthem starts playing at the Allianz Stadium, everyone looks at me; I can`t afford to mispronounce a single syllable! I`m always incredibly anxious… Of course, I`m joking. Being the author of that declaration of love, which everyone sings at the top of their lungs, feels like stepping onto the field for me. I`ve truly fulfilled my childhood dream.”
How did you, born in the province of Modena, become a Juventus supporter?
“There`s a photo of me as a newborn, wrapped in a black and white flag – a tribute to my father. As a child, I wrote dozens of letters to Anastasi, mailing them without even knowing I needed to include an address… I was so small! Anyway, I passed on my passion for those colors to my son and grandchildren. When we adopted Vladik, he was seven and didn`t know a word of Italian. I`d whisper `Juve` to him at night because I wanted it to be his very first word in our language!”
Which player are you most connected to?
“There are many; I know a lot of them well, like Del Piero, who helped me immensely when I was president of the National Singers` Team, or Ferrara, with whom I`m constantly in touch. I was also a friend of Vialli… On the sporting side, I must mention Baggio, even though I particularly appreciate gritty players and absolutely adored Davids. But I once knelt before Cristiano Ronaldo, kissed his elbow, and sang: `Hail Cristiano`… I thought his security detail would punch me; instead, he started laughing heartily and hugged me. I admire him because he always worked harder than anyone else to reach his current level. He deserves everything. That said, when I played, I chose jersey number 6, Gaetano Scirea`s, who for me still embodies elegance and selflessness, both on and off the field. Some athletes truly deserve to be followed and respected for the lessons they impart.”
Can you think of any others?
“Claudio Ranieri. We spent a month in the same hotel in Florence in the early `90s; I was recording an album, and he was coaching Fiorentina. It was a wonderful encounter, and when I hear some of his statements today, I recognize the same wisdom he shared thirty years ago.”
And his decision to turn down the National Team?
“Consistent! He had already given his word to Roma. That`s just how Ranieri is—a truly special person.”
What are your thoughts on Gattuso`s Italy team?
“I`d never want to be in his shoes; it`s genuinely tough. We`re no longer the footballing Mecca, consistently producing top players and winning. Now, we even struggle to qualify, which is quite tragic. There`s a lack of focus on young Italian players; we should implement rules, obliging clubs to play a couple of them. In the long run, that would be a winning investment. Perhaps we also have our own Yamal, but we don`t recognize him because we always prioritize immediate results over future development. Look at Totti; he debuted for Roma at 16 and was given the opportunity to play and grow. Are we sure he`d have the same opportunities today?”
We know you`re good friends with Spalletti. How do you think he dealt with leaving the National Team?
“He`s a friend, one of the wittiest people I know; he always playfully calls me a `gobbo` (a term for Juventus fans)… And sooner or later, I`ll manage to get him on `Ballando`! As for the Italy situation, we often forget that football is also made up of very normal people, with their anxieties, joys, tears, laughter, and vulnerabilities. That whole affair truly stings, stings, stings, because Luciano loves the national team. I believe he wasn`t given sufficient athletic talent to achieve the desired results either.”
Back to Juve. What about Tudor?
“A great choice! While I was convinced Thiago Motta would perform miracles, this gentleman came in mid-season, already familiar with the Bianconeri environment, and he resolved the situation. Great Tudor! I`m happy he stayed, and I`m convinced that with preseason training from the start, he`ll have a fantastic season. We need two more years of investment; the project requires time, but we`re on the right track. Patience is crucial, too bad I`ve never had any and still struggle with it! The Scudetto a fight between Inter and Napoli? I find it hard to predict, I`ll just say that next year we absolutely must win something.”
Your other great passion is cycling.
“Until a few years ago, I used to cycle between 15,000 and 18,000 kilometers a year; lately, I don`t even reach 10,000, and I regret it. I`ve been cycling since I was a child, ever since I discovered after the Carpi earthquake that you don`t feel tremors on wheels… The world seen from a bicycle is something else entirely, and cycling isn`t just a passion; it`s truly a lifestyle. I`ll confess something to you: I often use an electric bicycle now, but there`s a reason. I have to keep up with my grandson Damir, who is 10 years old and incredibly fast. I`ve passed on my passion for cycling to him too; he`s talented, participates in races, and wins. When I`m watching him, I transform into the classic yelling grandpa… Because seeing the child struggle, learn the meaning of sacrifice, understand the importance of defeat, and smile after every finish line regardless of the outcome—it drives me crazy. I often tell him that talent alone isn`t enough; what truly makes a difference is hard work. Fortunately, his idols are Cristiano Ronaldo and Pogacar, two individuals who have worked incredibly hard. And in the end, in sports as in music, hard work pays off.”
