MILAN (Reuters) - Former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli, who earned 59 caps for his country and enjoyed a stellar club career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea, has died from cancer at the age of 58.
Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. He was given the all-clear a year later only for the illness to return.
Sampdoria confirmed on Friday that he had died.
“Surrounded by his family, he passed away last night after five years of illness faced with courage and dignity. We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their affection. His memory and example will live in our hearts forever,” Vialli’s family was quoted as saying in a statement by the Italian news agency ANSA.
Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea posted messages of mourning for Vialli on Twitter and on their websites.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tweeted: “To God Gianluca Vialli, Lion King on the field and in life.”
Italy’s football federation (FIGC) said that a minute’s silence would be observed at all matches this weekend.
“I know that I probably will not die of old age, I hope to live as long as possible, but I feel much more fragile than before,” Vialli had said in a Netflix documentary aired in March 2022.
He described cancer as “a travel companion” that he hoped would eventually leave him in peace, after testing his mettle. “Illness can teach a lot about who you are, and can push you to go beyond the superficial way in which we live,” he said.
Vialli was however forced to step aside from his role as head of a delegation with the Italian national team last month, saying he needed to focus on overcoming a new phase of his disease.
Working with the Italy squad, Vialli had been reunited with national coach Roberto Mancini, a lifelong friend and strike partner when they both played for Sampdoria, where they were known as “the goal twins.”
Mancini and Vialli led Italy to the Euro 2020 tournament, which was delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium.