Gianluigi Porelli was born in Mantua on June 10, 1930 and was an Italian sports executive who in his youth has practiced swimming and boxing and with good results also tennis.

After moving to Bologna in 1949 he attended the law school and entered Virtus Tennis, first as a player and then as a manager.

In 1968 he was appointed head of the basketball section bringing the team in addition to the victory of 4 championships and three Italian cups to have resonance at European level.

He left in 1989 after having also been President of the European Union League.

Passionate bridge player, are remembers his epic challenges with Adolfo Bogoncelli.

Disappeared in Bologna on September 4, 2009.