Former Italy international Gianluca Vialli died at the age of 58

Former Italy soccer player Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58 after a long illness. This was announced by the Italian association (FIGC) on Friday. After recovering from pancreatic cancer four years ago, the former striker has been battling another tumor in recent weeks.

He therefore gave up his post as head of the Azzurri delegation in December, and in this capacity he was also involved in the 2021 European Championship triumph. There will be a minute’s silence in Italian football next weekend.

“I am deeply saddened. I hoped to the last that he could perform another miracle,” said association president Gabriele Gravina: “Without mincing words, Gianluca was a wonderful person and leaves an unbridgeable gap, both in the national team and all those who appreciated his extraordinary human qualities.”

Vialli played three tournaments for the Italian national team, the greatest success was third place at the 1990 World Cup. In club football, he spent his best years with Sampdoria Genoa, Juventus Turin and Chelsea FC. He also started his brief coaching career with the Blues before moving to the official division.

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