Italy international and former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli dies of cancer

Italy international and former Chelsea and Juventus striker Gianluca Vialli has died aged 58 after a long battle with cancer. The Italian Football Federation described him as a “magnificent person” who “leaves a void that cannot be filled”.

Vialli played 59 times for Italy but in 2017 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There was optimism in 2020 when doctors said it was clear, but sadly the cancer came back in 2021.

Our correspondent in Rome, Giorgia Orlandi, summed up the reaction to the tragic news of his death.

“Gianluca Vialli was described as one of the original cult heroes of Italian football towards the end of the 21st century, playing as a striker for both Sampdoria and Juventus, then he became an English footballing legend at Chelsea, both as player and manager.”

“Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea football clubs have reacted to his death, with the English football club saying he will be missed by so many, not just the Chelsea community but the whole world. of football, including his native Italy, the club says, he was such an iconic figure.

Football fans around the world are mourning his death and reactions have poured in from people from different walks of life, categories such as politicians and celebrities. And all those comments seem to have one thing in common – as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “is the fact that he will be remembered both as a great footballer and as a man whose struggle has recently been an example to many.”

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