Pellegrini was a lifelong fan of Inter and made his fortune in the catering business. He joined the club's board in 1979, marking the beginning of his involvement with the team.

Under Pellegrini's leadership, Inter won several notable titles, including the Scudetto, Supercoppa Italiana, and two Uefa Cup titles. The team boasted renowned players like Jurgen Klinsmann, Lothar Matthaus, Andy Brehme, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge during his tenure.

The news of Pellegrini's passing was reported early in the morning, just hours before a highly anticipated Champions League match between Inter and PSG in Munich.