Chelsea play at Stamford Bridge for the first time since the passing of club legend Gianluca Vialli on Sunday, and will pay tribute to the former manager and forward ahead of the game against Crystal Palace.
The fondly remembered Italian died at the age of 58 following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, having departed is role with the Italy national team to undergo treatment in December. An outpouring of tributes quickly followed for a figure respected throughout all of football.
Vialli replaced Ruud Gullit in February 1998 and became the first Italian to manage in the Premier League. During his time in west London, Vialli guided the Blues to the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Charity Shield.
READ MORE: Benoit Badiashile debut - Chelsea predicted starting XI to face Crystal Palace
Clubs across Europe have already paid to tribute, with a variety of minutes of silence and applause occurring across the Premier League and beyond. Sunday offers Chelsea their first opportunity to pay their respects at home.
The club ask supporters to take their seats early ahead of the game against Crystal Palace and before kick-off will welcome a number of players who were either teammates with Vialli or coached by him. They will join Chelsea and Crystal Palace's players on the pitch to produce a minute of applause. The club recommends fans arrive early enough to take their seat by 1.40pm.
The squad will wear special t-shirts in tribute to the former Blues boss, having donned his No. 9 ahead of facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and will wear black armbands during the game.
Ahead of the game there will also be an opportunity to leave your mark in a book of condolence. This will be available between 9.30am and 1.30pm in the Museum building for people to leave a personal message or memory. In addition, there will be a special tribute edition of the match programme to honour Vialli's legacy.
READ NEXT:
Shakhtar make major Mykhaylo Mudryk Chelsea transfer announcement with agreement 'very close
'Shakhtar Donetsk offer Chelsea cryptic Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer hint amid Arsenal bid 'hijack'
Joao Felix mistake leaves Graham Potter facing unenviable Chelsea decision vs Crystal Palace
Graham Potter already knows two tweaks he can make to rediscover Chelsea form vs Crystal Palace
Six Chelsea stars at risk of transfer departure as Todd Boehly reaffirms Graham Potter backing
