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‘Thank you for everything’: Italian media pay moving tributes to Azzurri legend and ‘genius’ Gianluca Vialli following his death at 58 following a battle with pancreatic cancer
Italian media have been paying tribute to Gianluca Vialli after the former Juventus, Sampdoria and Italy striker passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Vialli was first diagnosed with cancer in 2017, but revealed he had been cleared in April 2020. However, the cancer returned in December 2021, forcing him to leave his role with the Italy team. and after being admitted to a London hospital. last month, he died surrounded by his family on thursday night.
Vialli had a brilliant playing career, with one of the highlights of his career coming in 1996 when he captained Juventus to Champions League glory.
Tuttosport went with the headline ‘Thank you for everything’ as they paid tribute to Vialli, while Corriere dello Sport used the image of Vialli and Roberto Mancini embracing.
Vialli was a key figure in Italy’s run to win Euro 2020, serving as head of delegation.
La Gazzetta dello Sport labeled Vialli as ‘The genius friend’ after his death
Tuttosport went with an image of Vialli lifting the trophy on its front page Saturday morning, along with the caption “Thanks for everything.”
Vialli also enjoyed a highly successful spell at Sampdoria, which saw him win the Coppa Italia three times and the club’s first and only Serie A title in 1991.
His extraordinary achievements at Sampdoria led Juventus to pay a world record fee of £12.5m for him in 1992, and he spent four years with the Bianconeri, winning another Scudetto, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. UEFA before ending his days as a player at Chelsea.
Vialli also went to two World Cups with Italy as a player, and was brought back to the national team in 2019 by longtime friend Roberto Mancini to join the former Manchester City manager’s coaching staff.
Together they led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and the pair shared an emotional hug after beating England in the final on penalties at Wembley.
Vialli triumphed in all his clubs as a player, but with Juventus he won the Champions League in 1996 after losing the 1992 final against Sampdoria.
Vialli (right) and Roberto Mancini (left) were known as ‘The Goal Twins’ at Sampdoria
Corriere dello Sport opted for that image on its cover, and chose the headline: ‘A hug forever’.
Italy’s victory at the delayed Euro was a significant moment for Vialli, who had recovered from cancer treatment to return to the bench.
Vialli was an extremely popular figure in the Italian dressing room, adored by the players and his fellow coaches, leading La Gazzetta dello Sport to sum him up as ‘The Genius Friend’ on its front page, with Vialli smiling as he holds up the Euro. trophy.
The newspaper also refers to him as a ‘champion’ player and man, noting how he was loved both on and off the pitch.
His family first confirmed his death on Friday, writing: “We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their love. The memory of him and his example will live forever in our hearts.’
Fans left a support banner outside the hospital where Vialli was being treated.
He represented Italy at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and rose to prominence in England during a brief spell at Stamford Bridge.
Vialli would go on to serve as player-manager and then manager of Chelsea, leading them to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998, as well as the FA Cup in 2000.
Following the news, Chelsea tweeted in tribute: “You will be missed by many.” A legend for us and for all football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali added: “This really is a horrible day for Chelsea Football Club.
The legend of Gianluca will live on at Stamford Bridge.
His impact as a player, coach and most importantly as a person will forever be written in the history of our club. We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.’