Vialli represented the Azzurri at two World Cups and won the Champions League in 1996 with Juventus
Gianluca Vialli, the former Italy, Chelsea and Juventus striker, has died at the age of 58.
The Italian had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for many months, but his condition worsened in the lead up to Christmas.
Vialli was diagnosed with the illness for a second time in 2021, having been given the all-clear in April 2020 following a 17-month struggle.
He represented the Azzurri in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and gained popularity in England during a short spell at Stamford Bridge.
Vialli would serve as Chelsea’s player-manager and then manager, leading them to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998, plus the FA Cup in 2000.
You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football.
Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mNJPDkCSYO
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2023
He was part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph last year but had recently stepped down to concentrate on his battle against the illness.
Born in Lombardy, Vialli started his career at third division Cremonese, helping them win promotion to Serie B.
He quickly caught the attention of Serie A side Sampdoria, and joined the club. It was here that he formed a prolific partnership with Roberto Mancini up front, and helped the club win their first ever Serie A title in 1991.
💔
Goodbye, Luca. pic.twitter.com/npEOq6CanR
— Sampdoria English (@sampdoria_en) January 6, 2023
He finished the season as the top scorer with 19 goals and became known for his back flip celebration.
During Vialli’s time at the club, Sampdoria won three Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and reached the final of the European Cup in 1992.
Interviewing Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea’s Harlington HQ back in the day was always a delight. Smart brogues, classy beige V neck jumper, huge smile. ‘I thought the chaps played really well last week.’ Charm personified. Bless him. RIP #Vialli
— Mark Pougatch (@markpougatch) January 6, 2023
Juventus signed Vialli for a then world record fee of £12.5million in 1992 and his success continued with triumphs in the UEFA Cup, Serie A and the Italian Cup.
Gianluca Vialli, an iconic striker and a great football figure. Sadly gone way too soon, RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/1c9KAnjNly
— Back Page Football (@bpfootball) January 6, 2023
Gianluca Vialli’s all-time career record. 🇮🇹
◎ 733 games
◉ 275 goalsA Legend of the game. pic.twitter.com/jl0yf9EC6d
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 6, 2023
But the highlight came when Juventus defeated Ajax in the 1996 Champions League final, when he partnered Alessandro Del Piero and Fabrizio Ravanelli in a formidable strikeforce.
That summer, he joined Chelsea. After a rocky relationship with manager Ruud Gullit, he was appointed player-manager at the age of 33 following Gullit’s sacking in 1998.
At the helm, he won the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup with the London side.
He then decided to retire from playing at the end of the 1998-99 season, finishing with with a career scoring record of 259 goals in 673 club games.
Internationally, he represented Italy 59 times at senior level, scoring 16 times, and was named in the team of the tournament for Euro ’88 after the Azzurri reached the semi-finals.
Not just a brilliant player; but a real gentleman. What a sad loss. Rest well Gianluca Vialli. pic.twitter.com/lLFePvtMAn
— Simon Thomas (@SimonThomasTV) January 6, 2023
As full-time manager, Vialli won the FA Cup in 2000, beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the last final staged at the old Wembley Stadium.
He was eventually sacked just five games into the 2000-01 season though. After a brief spell in charge of Watford, he retired, and began work as a pundit.
Most recently, he was a member of Mancini’s coaching team when Italy won EURO 2020.
This will be forever in my head.
Vialli and his very good friend Mancini, in tears, after Italy won the Euros.
Today is a very sad day.
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) January 6, 2023
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