Gianluca Vialli has died aged 58 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The former Chelsea striker, manager and Blues legend was diagnosed with the illness initially in 2017 and was given the all-clear in 2020 before a reappearance in 2021.
Fans of both club and country adored the footballing legend for his energy and positivity. He joined Chelsea in 1996 and later became a player-manager, scoring 21 goals at Stamford Bridge.
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He also scored 16 goals in 59 international appearances for Italy and eventually took on a role in Roberto Mancini’s backroom team during their successful Euro 2020 campaign after his playing career.
Vialli was one of the most loved players of his generation and tributes to the great striker have poured in.
Ciao amico mio. RIP Gianluca Vialli pic.twitter.com/TmUherAf31
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) January 6, 2023
Such sad sad news to hear of the passing of Gianluca Vialli. He was no age.A brilliant footballer and a lovely man. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) January 6, 2023
Really devastated to see the passing of Chelsea FC legend Luca Vialli.
As someone that has had my own battles with the Big C, this news becomes personal to me and highlight what I already know very well about how precious life is.
Rest well Luca, much love
🙏🏾🕊🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/1QUsYMzc2o— Paul Canoville (@Kingcanners) January 6, 2023
