Enrico Canfari, born in Genoa on April 16, 1877, was a founding member and the second president of Juventus. He is considered a key figure in the club`s early years. The historic meeting that led to the formation of Juventus took place in his bicycle workshop in Turin. Elected president in the second year of the club`s existence, Canfari organized the first matches and commissioned the first pink jerseys. Initially playing as a center forward, he later preferred refereeing. A chemistry graduate, his profession often took him to England, from where he brought back and promoted the recognized Arbitration Regulations in Italy.
At the outbreak of World War I, Canfari volunteered, becoming a captain. Just months later, on October 22, 1915, he died on the Isonzo front. He had sought his mother`s blessing before volunteering. Having been made a second lieutenant and then promoted to lieutenant, he reached the rank of captain in the early days of the war. News of his death was devastating.
A letter from Lieutenant Antonio Cutietta, dated November 10, 1915, to Canfari`s mother, details his death: “Dear Madam, with a deeply moved soul, I inform you of the details of the death of my Captain, who was more than a superior to us, but a true father; we all loved him. On October 22nd, we were ordered to attack an enemy trench. He spurred the soldiers onward, advancing beyond our trenches to drive back the enemy. We followed, and as we reached the enemy trench, a bullet struck him in the chest. He fell near me, without a word, and was gone instantly. Madam, it was a painful moment. I ensured his body was respectfully retrieved while I took command to maintain order. He is buried in the cemetery of Sdrussina. On behalf of all officers and soldiers, I send my sincerest condolences.”
Months before his death, Canfari wrote about Juventus`s origins and early years for the `Hurrà!` bulletin.
Domenico Donna, from “Hurrà” December 1915, recalled seeing Canfari for the last time at a veterans` match in Alessandria. They jokingly noted each other’s aging. Donna described Canfari`s quick wit, sincerity, and disdain for superficiality. Even as a young man from a comfortable background, Canfari chose to work as a mechanic, driven by a passion for the emerging cycling industry and a desire to create. He and his brother strived to be both engineers and workers, valuing hard work and self-reliance.
Donna remembered Canfari’s cheerful singing at work and his intolerance for laziness. He was Juventus`s “best member,” radiating serenity and joy. His voice was distinctive and uplifting, and he initiated choral singing among the Juventus team members, making journeys less tiring. While not the most technically skilled player, Canfari was unmatched in tenacity and commitment, embodying the spirit of Juventus.
Umberto Malvano, writing from the front in “Hurrà” December 1915, expressed disbelief and deep sorrow at the news of Canfari`s death. He remembered Canfari’s pure and tireless love for Juventus, his role as a constant source of encouragement and guidance, and his joyful spirit. Malvano felt a profound sense of loss, fearing that a significant part of Juventus`s past would disappear with Canfari. He reminisced about visits to Canfari in Milan, their shared projects driven by love for Juventus, and the deep bond among Juventus members.