Gianluca Vialli will long be remembered as one of Chelsea's most captivating and popular European imports.
A dazzling forward, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, Vialli joined the Blues back in 1996 and will always be remembered as one of the club's cult heroes during their success in the 1990s.
Going on to manage the side following his three-year spell, the Italian sadly passed away earlier this month, after a sad battle with pancreatic cancer.
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Enjoying a stellar career in Italy before his move to England, Vialli won every major trophy on offer to him, including Serie A titles with Sampdoria and Juventus, whilst also claiming the UEFA Champions League with the latter in 1996.
Scoring 141 times in 328 appearances for i Blucerchiati, the striker's consistent goal tally helped Sampdoria reach the pinnacle of Serie A, whilst also winning three Coppa Italia titles in 84/85, 87/88 and 88/89. The Old Lady would come calling in 1992.
Costing £12.5million, a world record fee at the time, Vialli's career would reach even more success during his time in Turin. Netting 53 times in 145 outings, his performances for Italy also only further projecting himself into the bracket of Europe's elite forwards during the 90s.
Captaining Juventus against Ajax in the 1996 Champions League final, Marcelo Lippi's decorated side included stars such as Didier Deschamps, Alessandro Del Piero and now Spurs manager Antonio Conte. Vialli would lift the famous trophy, after his side won 4-2 on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico.
That summer, his switch to West London was confirmed, with Ruud Gullit opting to bring in the forward and the success would continue to mount up.
At the end of the Italian’s first season at Stamford Bridge he lifted the FA Cup and, although limited to a small-ish role under Gullit, he flourished following the Dutchman’s exit.
Taking on the role as player-manager, Vialli's infectious personality and must-win attitude further continued to benefit his triumphs with the Blues. Aged just 33 years and 308 days, Vialli was then the youngest manager to win a major European title, claiming the Cup Winners' Cup in 1998.
A third-placed finish followed for Chelsea that same year, as he continued to be adored by the Chelsea faithful, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 home win over Derby as he ended his playing days.
He won his fifth major trophy in less than three years in charge of Chelsea when they won the FA Cup in 2000, becoming the club’s most successful manager at the time, before being sacked five games into the following season.
A small role with Watford soon followed before he dipped his feet into the world of TV and punditry. He famously linked up with fellow youth team player Roberto Mancini to help Italy win Euro 2020 against England.
“We have among us an example that teaches us how to live, in any moment, in any situation. And I’m talking about Gianluca Vialli. For us, he’s special,'' told Alessandro Florenzi, as he paid homage to Vialli's impact in the squad.
“Without him, and without Mancini and the other coaches, this victory would mean nothing. He is a living example. I know he will get angry, but I just had to say it.”
First diagnosed with cancer back in 2017, he was first given the all-clear in 2020, before being re-diagnosed with the disease in 2021. His death was felt all around the world of football and he is survived by wife Cathryn and children Olivia and Sofia.
Chelsea paid tribute to their Italian legend before the game with Crystal Palace on Sunday. In an emotional video montage, Graeme le Saux said: "From the day you stepped through the door you set the standard at this club and captured our hearts. Dreams came true under your management and you achieved your dream of becoming a Chelsea legend.
"But above all Luca, you were a wonderful man. Charming, respectful, determined. You had a heart of gold that touched so many. Now our hearts are broken, but how lucky we were to have known you. Luca, we love you and we miss you."
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