Former Inter Milan president Ernesto Pellegrini has died at the age of 84 just hours before Saturday evening's Champions League final in Munich.
The Milan native passed away at 8am on Saturday morning, according to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The timing marks a poignant moment for the Italian club as they prepare for their biggest match of the season.
The former president owned Inter between 1984 and 1995, presiding over one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
Juventus president Giampiero Boniperti with Ernesto Pellegrini
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Pellegrini's 11-year tenure was marked by significant trophy success, including a record-breaking Serie A title and two UEFA Cups.
The club also secured the Supercoppa Italiana under his stewardship.
Inter's 1991 UEFA Cup triumph brought to an end a 26-year wait for a European trophy.
The successful businessman had purchased the Italian giants from Ivanoe Fraizzoli in 1984.
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Erick Thohir and Ernesto Pellegrini attend the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Cagliari in 2014
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Pellegrini had grown up as a boyhood Inter fan and became the Nerazzurri's 17th president.
He made his fortune in the catering industry and was first admitted onto the board at the San Siro in 1979 before taking full control five years later.
Pellegrini was influential in the arrivals of several superstars during his presidency, including Lothar Matthaus, Jurgen Klinsmann and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
These signings helped establish Inter as a formidable force in European football during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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The former president was inducted into the club's esteemed Hall of Fame in 2020, recognising his significant contribution to Inter's history.
Pellegrini went on to sell the club to Massimo Moratti in 1995, ending his successful tenure.
He leaves behind his wife Ivana and daughter Valentina.
Inter will honour Pellegrini's memory by wearing black armbands during Saturday evening's Champions League final against PSG.
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Inter Milan will honour Ernesto Pellegrini with black armbands during the Champions League final on Saturday
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The club confirmed his passing with a statement saying: "President Ernesto Pellegrini has left us. For 11 years he led Inter with wisdom, honour and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our Club.
"FC Internazionale Milano and all the Nerazzurri fans gather around his family."
Fellow Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain paid tribute to Pellegrini, saying: "Paris Saint-Germain salutes the memory of the former President Ernesto Pellegrini and sends its condolences to his family, friends and to Inter Milan."
Serie A club Lazio also sent their wishes to the family, saying: "We join with emotion in your grief and that of all the relatives of Ernesto Pellegrini."
Inter will look to clinch a fourth European Cup on Saturday evening.
Their last triumph in the competition came in 2010, when they beat Bayern Munich 2-0 under Jose Mourinho in a famous treble.
PSG remain on the hunt for their maiden Champions League success.
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