Former Juventus, Sampdoria and Italy striker Gianluca Vialli has tragically passed away aged 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Vialli was first diagnosed in 2017 and made a recovery but revealed he was battling the disease again in 2021. He stepped down from the duties with the Azzurri late last year to undergo further treatment but his death was confirmed earlier today.
Vialli began his illustrious career with his hometown team Cremone before forming a devastating partnership with Roberto Mancini at Sampdoria where he lifted the Serie A title in 1990.
A move to Juventus beckoned where he was awarded the captaincy and guided the Old Lady to their first Champions League title since 1985.
Vialli joined Chelsea in 1996 on a free transfer and was promoted to player manager after Ruud Gullit was fired, becoming the first Italian to manage in the Premier League.
Mancini and Vialli teamed up on final time during Mancini’s time managing the Italian national team, taking Italy all the way to the Euro 2021 title.
Rest in peace Gianluca, we will miss you so much.
