"Family Portrait": Behind the scenes of the Juventus shoot

A few days ago on Juventus' social media channels, a video titled "Family Portrait" made in collaboration with Adidas was published ahead of the start of the season. The clear goal of the video was to start the 2023/24 campaign all together because only when we are united are we at our strongest.

Several references to the Bianconeri's history - so-called "easter eggs" - emerged from this shoot. From the setting to the many protagonists, passing through the various objects inside the Juventus villa, such as the zebra-striped steering wheel, the keychain in the Fiat 500 parked just outside the villa, as well as the countless references in the rooms of Villa Cimena.

So let's dive in, and let's start with the villa itself.

VILLA CIMENA

Let's take a journey in and out of Villa Cimena, located in Brandizzo. The villa is a first-rate location for classy events on the outskirts of Turin. Originally founded as a country residence in the mid-17th century, it was not until 1884 that it took on the features of a historic neoclassical residence. 

It boasts breathtaking views of the hills of the Po, the rooms are meticulously preserved, and it has a panoramic terrace that opens out onto the mansion's greenery. 

It was an ideal setting for the composition of our "Family Portrait."

In the video, as we said, there are a number of Bianconeri past and present who welcome us to the villa: Manuel Locatelli, Martina Rosucci, Lisa Boattin, Federico Gatti, Dean Huijsen, Kenan Yildiz, Joseph Nonge, Danilo, and former Alessandro Del Piero and Claudio Marchisio are all involved. 

It is on these two Juventus legends that we want to focus our attention, but not before introducing you to the real star of the video.

On the porch, comfortably seated on the terrace chair, is an elegant lady intent on reading a newspaper full of news about Bianconeri successes. 

The reference is very clear: the "old lady" in the black and white outfit - including heeled shoes - is indulging in some relaxation in the company of the club's many triumphs.

THE OLD LADY

Do you all know why Juventus is referred to as the Old Lady? The origins of the nickname go back a long way, as far as the 1930s, and the discourse relates back to the Piedmontese nobility of that time. 

All this created a juxtaposition with the name Juventus-which means "youth" in Latin, but actually this characterization is partly due to the club's habit in those years of relying on experienced players rather than young and novice profiles. It is a concept that has been turned on its head in modern times, especially with the Next Gen project. The old lady, in the video, is also identified as a figure to whom due respect should be paid.

ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO, AKA "PINTURICCHIO"

In another room of the villa, we enter a room almost totally covered with sheets and blankets. In the center of the scene is Alessandro Del Piero, complete with a work coat and intent on painting a canvas. The portrait has a zebra as its subject, in its natural habitat of the savannah. 

Captain Alex, painting, and in an instant "Pinturicchio" comes to mind. The epithet was given to him by Gianni Agnelli himself who, referring to the famous painter of the 19th century, found an original way to describe the Juventus No.10's skills.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

The scene changes upon entering one of the bedrooms. The leap forward in terms of time is obvious: the furnishings take us back to the present day, and the numerous Juventus gadgets immediately bring to mind the room of a young Juventus fan.

The contrast between the past and the present is strong, with a young soccer player - played by Kenan Yildiz - who dreams of stepping in the footsteps of past greats to relive the same victories. 

Kenan dribbles a bit with a Juventus shirt in front of his bed, Del Piero's poster on his wall and many small but noteworthy details can be seen in the background. Among them is a ball autographed by countless former Juventus players, the season being 1982/83, Dino Zoff's last year as captain. That adventure ended with the Italian Cup win and the players' signatures on the ball, which ideally Yildiz treasures and guards in his bedroom.

Finally, among the collected memorabilia, we see the cactus from the Gufram collection, presented this year - 2023 - at Milan Design Week.

A "LITTLE PRINCE" IN THE FAMILY

Then comes the time for the "Little Prince". Another room, another Juventus icon.

This time it's Claudio Marchisio, sitting on horseback in a suit and tie, looking proud and posing very elegantly. 

It is the epitome of Marchisio - who even as a young Bianconeri player - in a locker room full of champions showed up for training dressed in classy clothes. A gentleman on and off the field, an all-round prince.

JAY AND A SOUVENIR PHOTO

The extensive tour ends with the souvenir family photo. It is a special frame with all the protagonists of this wonderful journey in the heart of Villa Cimena.

Setting off the self-timer is our iconic mascot, Zebra Jay. He is a true figurehead, especially for the younger Juventus fans, with the Juve shirt on and the no.97 on his back.

A fitting conclusion to embrace this new season, which has just begun.