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Massimiliano Allegri observes a minute’s silence for former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli during his pre-match press conference… as the Juventus manager calls the former Chelsea star a ‘role model for younger players’
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri observed a minute’s silence during his press conference to remember former Bianconeri player Gianluca Vialli.
Vialli, whose death comes just weeks after Sinisa Mihajlovic and Brazilian legend Pelé, passed away last night surrounded by his family after a five-year battle with cancer.
The former Chelsea striker made one last impact in Italy before moving to England and Allegri opted to observe a minute’s silence in memory before he praised the club icon.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri (R) observed a minute’s silence at his press conference.
Allegri paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli (above) who died at the age of 58 and Ernesto Castano
Speaking at the start of his pre-match press conference, Allegri said: “Before we start the press conference, it’s only fair to remember Ernesto Castano and Gianluca Vialli. Two players but above all two men.
“They gave Juventus and the Italian team a lot. I kindly ask you to take a minute of remembrance in memory of these two men.
“I knew Vialli personally and he meant a lot to Italian football. He was a role model for the younger players and he will be missed by all. Watching him play, you couldn’t help but be in awe of his technique, his heart and his passion.”
Juventus signed Vialli for a world record fee of £12.5 million in 1992 and his success continued with triumphs in the UEFA Cup, Serie A and the Italian Cup.
Vialli represented Italy at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and rose to prominence in England for a brief spell at Stamford Bridge.
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 was a key figure in Italy’s run to win Euro 2020, serving as head of delegation.
Tributes have been pouring in on Vialli and after the news Chelsea tweeted: ‘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.’
Outside Stamford Bridge, fans began laying flowers to pay their respects below a portrait of their former player and manager.
Vialli served 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.
Chelsea were a successful cup team under Vialli, winning the League Cup in 1998
Sampdoria fans also showed their support until the end, as they hung a banner of support in front of the London hospital where he was being treated.
“I am deeply saddened,” said the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina.
‘I waited until the end that he could perform another miracle, but I take comfort in the certainty that what he did for Italian football and the blue jersey will never be forgotten.
“Gianluca was a splendid person and he leaves a void that cannot be filled, in the national team and in all those who have appreciated his extraordinary human qualities.”
Vialli was diagnosed with the disease for a second time in 2021, having been cleared in April 2020 after a 17-month struggle.
Fans left a support banner outside the hospital where Vialli was being treated.