Ex-Chelsea, Juventus star Gianluca Vialli dies at 58

Former Chelsea and Juventus star Gianluca Vialli has died at age 58 after coping with most cancers for 5 years.

Vialli was first recognized with pancreatic most cancers in 2017 and for a second time in 2021.

A press release from his household on Friday learn: “Surrounded by his household, he handed away final evening after 5 years of sickness confronted with braveness and dignity.

“We thank the numerous who’ve supported him over time with their affection. The reminiscence of him and his instance will stay endlessly in our hearts.”

Vialli was a part of the teaching workers that led Italy to Euro 2020 success, however he left his function with the nationwide staff in December so as to endure extra therapy.

“I do know that I in all probability won’t die of previous age, I hope to stay so long as doable, however I really feel far more fragile than earlier than,” Vialli had stated in a Netflix documentary aired in March 2022.

He described most cancers as “a journey companion” that he hoped would finally go away him in peace after testing his mettle.

“Sickness can educate so much about who you’re, and might push you to transcend the superficial means wherein we stay,” he stated.

Following the information on Friday, Italian Soccer Federation president Gabriele Gravina stated: “Gianluca was a beautiful individual and leaves an unfillable void, within the nationwide staff and in all those that appreciated his extraordinary human qualities.”

Vialli first emerged as a younger participant along with his native staff Cremonese in Italy’s third and second tiers.

He moved to Sampdoria in 1984 and helped the membership take pleasure in probably the most profitable interval in its historical past, profitable the Italian Cup 3 times. Vialli scored twice as Sampdoria beat Anderlecht 2-0 in 1990 to carry the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

He additionally performed a significant function when Sampdoria claimed the Serie A league title in 1991 for the primary and solely time, scoring 19 objectives.

Vialli left the Genoa-based membership in the summertime of 1992, transferring to Juventus, the place after a sluggish begin he rediscovered his goal-scoring contact and helped the Turin giants win the Italian league in 1995 and the Champions League the next season.

He joined Chelsea on a free switch in 1996 and have become participant supervisor two years later when Dutchman Ruud Gullit was sacked.

Underneath Vialli, Chelsea gained the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup in 1998 and the FA Cup two years later earlier than he too was dismissed.

You may be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of soccer.

Relaxation in peace, Gianluca Vialli. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mNJPDkCSYO

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2023

His final managerial function was in control of Watford within the English second tier in 2001 and 2002.

In October 2019, Vialli was appointed Italy’s new delegation chief, that means he was reunited with head coach Roberto Mancini, a lifelong pal and strike associate once they each performed for Sampdoria, the place they have been referred to as “the aim twins.”

Mancini and Vialli led the Italians to Euro 2020, lifting the trophy in Wembley Stadium. Their Sampdoria staff had misplaced the European Cup ultimate to Barcelona on the identical venue 29 years earlier.

The pair celebrated with a tearful embrace that “was extra stunning than the hugs we used to offer one another after I handed him the ball and he scored objectives,” Vialli stated in a TV interview with Italy’s RAI in November.

Vialli leaves a spouse and two daughters.

Data from Reuters contributed to this report.