A deep sadness overwhelms Italy after confirming the death of a mythical attacker, one of the great figures in the history of national football.
The selection itself has confirmed the death of Gianluca Vialli, 58 years old, a victim of pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed in 2017 and that in recent months became complicated.
Vialli was part of Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea and was working for the Italian team as head of delegation, a position he was forced to resign on December 15.
“Gianluca did not make it, he passed away today at the age of 58 after a long illness, he always fought head-on, with dignity and with the entire blue family to give him strength in a moment of silent but enormous suffering. Italian football is not only in mourning for the head of the national team delegation: it is in mourning for a great man, who had already been a great striker and an appreciated coach before,” the Italian national team said in a statement.
Vialli will receive a posthumous tribute on date 17 of Serie A, in which a minute of silence will be observed.
Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Federation, commented: “I am deeply saddened. I waited until the end that he could perform another miracle, but I take comfort in the knowledge that what he did for Italian football and the Azzurri will never be forgotten. Without beating around the bush: Gianluca was a splendid person and leaves a void that cannot be filled, in the national team and in all those who have appreciated his extraordinary human quality”.
Vialli played 59 games for his country and scored 16 goals, participating in the World Cups in Mexico 1986 (round of 16) and Italy 1990 (third place) and being a semifinalist in the 1988 Euro Cup. There he forged a solid friendship with the current DT, Roberto Mancini.
His success story was written as a champion with Sampdoria (1 scudetto, three Italian Cups and one Super Cup), Juventus (Serie A champion, one Italian Cup, one Super Cup, UEFA Cup and 1996 Champions League) and Chelsea ( winner of an FA Cup, a League Cup, a Cup Winners’ Cup and a European Super Cup).
