Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58 from cancer; the former Chelsea player-manager helped revolutionise the game in England and was a hugely popular character, supporting old friend Roberto Mancini as Italy won Euro 2020.

Gianluca Vialli is a name that is synonymous with Chelsea Football Club. The Italian striker joined the Blues in 1996 and played a crucial role in transforming the club into one of the most successful in England. During his time at Chelsea, Vialli won the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

But Vialli’s impact on Chelsea went beyond just his on-field achievements. He was also a leader and an inspiration to his teammates, and his influence extended beyond the pitch as well. After retiring from playing, Vialli went on to become a successful manager, television pundit, and author.

Vialli was born in 1964 in Cremona, Italy. He began his professional career with his hometown team, Cremonese, in 1982. After a few years, he moved on to play for several other Italian clubs, including Sampdoria and Juventus. It was at Juventus where Vialli really made a name for himself, scoring an impressive 60 goals in 143 appearances for the club.

In 1996, Vialli made the move to Chelsea. It was a bold move for the Italian striker, who at the time was approaching his mid-30s. But Vialli was still in his prime and was eager to test himself in the competitive English league. He quickly became a fan favorite at Chelsea, thanks to his goalscoring ability and his energetic style of play.

During his four years at Chelsea, Vialli won a host of major trophies, including the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He also helped lead the club to the UEFA Super Cup, where they defeated Real Madrid. In total, Vialli scored 59 goals in 157 appearances for Chelsea, making him one of the club’s most successful foreign imports.

But Vialli’s impact on Chelsea went beyond just his goalscoring. He was also a leader on and off the pitch, and his teammates looked up to him for guidance and inspiration. He was known for his positive attitude and his ability to bring the best out of those around him.

After retiring from playing in 2002, Vialli took on a new challenge as a manager. He took over at Watford and led the team to promotion to the Premier League in his first season. He then moved on to manage several other teams, including Atalanta, Cagliari, and Vicenza.

In addition to his managerial career, Vialli has also worked as a television pundit and an author. He has written several books, including a memoir and a book on leadership. He has also appeared as a pundit on several television programs, including the BBC’s “Match of the Day.”

Throughout his career, Vialli has always been known for his professionalism and his dedication to the game. He has remained a popular figure in the world of football, and his impact on Chelsea will always be remembered. He is truly an icon of the club and an inspiration to all those who love the beautiful game.