Following the dismissal of Ruud Gullit in February 1998, Vialli became the first Italian manager in the Premier League.
Gianluca Vialli, a former Italy and Chelsea striker has died at the age of 58 in a London hospital after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, just three weeks after stepping down as Italy's coach.
Following the dismissal of Ruud Gullit in February 1998, Vialli became the first Italian manager in the Premier League.
Vialli led Chelsea to the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Charity Shield during his time in west London.
Vialli died last night, surrounded by his family, after a five-year cancer battle, just weeks after Sinisa Mihajlovic and Brazilian legend Pele.
“We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their affection. The memory of him and his example will live forever in our hearts,” his family wrote in a statement.
Vialli started his club career at Cremonese in 1980 in his native Italy where he made 105 league appearances scoring 23 goals. His performances impressed Sampdoria who signed him in 1984, during which time he scored 85 league goals, won 3 Italian cups, the Serie A and the European Cup Winners Cup. Vialli transferred to Juventus for a world record £12.5 million in 1992.
During this time he won the Italian Cup, the Serie A, Italian Supercup, UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. In 1996 Vialli joined Chelsea and became Chelsea player-manager the following season.
In England, he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Super Cup. He is one of nine footballers to have won the three main European club competitions, and the only forward to have done so; he is also the only player in European footballing history to have both winner's and runners-up medals in all three main European club competitions, including two winners medals for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.