During a press conference following Italy’s 3-1 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, national team manager Roberto Mancini stated that the hardest absence to manage compared to his previous tenure is the late Gianluca Vialli. Vialli, a former teammate, long-time friend, and Italian football icon, passed away in 2023 at the age of 58 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Roberto Mancini Remembers Gianluca Vialli at Rimini Event
During his initial stint as manager, Mancini appointed Vialli as the delegation chief for the national team. Together, the pair helped guide Italy to victory at the UEFA European Championship, ending a 53-year wait for the continental trophy after previously winning a historic Serie A Scudetto together as players for Sampdoria.
Luca manca alla sua famiglia, ma se oggi siamo qui, con tutte queste persone a ricordarlo, significa che rimarrà una leggenda, resterà nella mente di tutti e sarà ancora vivo anche tra 50 anni,
Mancini told the audience in Rimini, describing Vialli as a brotherly figure and a vital presence who kept the squad anchored. When asked what he misses most about his former teammate, Mancini stated simply that he misses Vialli the person, the relationship they shared, and the way he supported those around him.
Reflecting on Career Choices and National Team Leadership
Speaking about the deep bond they shared, Mancini noted that their differing personalities were precisely what made their partnership work so effectively on and off the pitch. The manager also admitted that he often wonders how Vialli would have guided his career decisions, including his departure from the Italy bench in 2023 to manage in Saudi Arabia. Conceding that Vialli likely would have advised against the move, Mancini remarked that his friend would have likely prevented it entirely.
Former teammates and football figures joined the tribute in Rimini, sharing memories of Vialli’s exceptional leadership qualities. Former goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca recalled Vialli’s calming advice during their playing days, while former Juventus players Stefano Tacconi, Moreno Torricelli, Angelo Di Livio, and Fabrizio Ravanelli praised him as the ultimate team leader whom opponents feared and teammates relied upon for a winning mentality.
Squad Balance and Future Direction for the Azzurri
Bisogna avere equilibrio: la squadra deve crescere, è una squadra giovane che diventerà ancora più giovane col passare dei mesi e che ha bisogno anche di sbagliare,
Mancini told Sky Sport, emphasizing that the squad requires patience as younger players gain international experience. He also welcomed the resolution of leadership matters within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following the appointment of Giovanni Malagò as commissioner.
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