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      in Motorsport

      Jean-Pierre Jabouille dead aged 80: First Renault driver ever to win an F1 Grand Prix passes away

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      FORMULA ONE legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80.The Frenchman played a key role in Renault’s entry into F1 back in 1977.
      F1 legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80Credit: Getty
      The Frenchman took Renault’s first F1 victory in his homeland back in 1979Credit: AFP
      And he celebrated that by taking Renault’s maiden win in the 1979 French Grand Prix.
      The Alpine team, who are owned by Renault, said it was “incredibly saddened” by Jabouille’s death.
      A statement read: “A humble racing driver, brilliant engineer and a pioneer of our sport. Jean-Pierre was a true racer.
      “He spearheaded Renault’s journey into F1 in 1977 with his resilient and dare-to-do attitude.
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      “He was Renault’s first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a landmark moment in Renault’s journey in Formula 1.
      “His determination and dedication to succeed inspired many, and these values remain central to the current team in its now blue colours of Alpine.
      “We are where we are today because of Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on.”
      Jabouille, who was an engineer by trade, was part of the Renault F1 project from its beginning and helped to develop its new turbo engine.
      Most read in Motorsport
      And his and the team’s maiden victory could not have been more ordeal as it came on home soil for both the icon and France’s national car company.
      Jabouille would win his final Grand Prix at Austria in 1980.
      However, he was forced to retire from racing that same year when he broke a leg in a crash in Canada.
      The star was already due to leave Renault as he was being replaced by Alain Prost for the 1981 season.
      Jabouille did attempt to make a comeback with the Talbot Ligier team, but he was deemed unfit and retired after failing to qualify for two of his four attempts.
      He also raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans from the late 1960s to the early 1990s for the likes of Alpine, Matra, Sauber and Peugeot.
      He had four third overall finishes in 1973, 1974, 1992 and 1993.
      Following retirement from F1, Jabouille briefly managed at the Ligier team and was then head of Peugeot’s engine programme in the 1990s.
      After news of his death emerged, one fan tweeted: “One of the giants of the early turbo era and that fantastic French partnership with Rene Arnoux at Renault. RIP.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Another wrote: “The first win for a Turbo F1 car in that magical Dijon race, my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family and friends, RIP Mr Jabouille.”
      While a fellow fan added: “RiP Jean Pierre Jabouille… You remain the first and only one Jean Pierre.” More

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      in Soccer

      Tributes to amateur footballer, 20, who died suddenly as loved ones remember ‘amazing’ friend

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      EMOTIONAL tributes have flooded in for an amateur footballer who died this week.Luke Abrahams passed away suddenly in the early hours of January 23.
      Luke Abrahams died suddenly on January 23Credit: NorthantsLive/BPM
      Luke and his family are big West Ham supportersCredit: NorthantsLive/BPM
      The 20-year-old, from Northampton, played for Blisworth FC and Hunsbury Hawks FC in the Northants Combination and the Nene Sunday League.
      He was also linked to AFC Spinney.
      Pals and teammates have remembered him as a “great player and even better friend”.
      Hunsbury Hawks FC said: “It is with the greatest sadness that we had to say goodbye to Luke this week.
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      “He was a great player but an even better friend to us all.
      “He started it all for the Hawks and we wouldn’t be here without him.
      “Till we see you again, rest easy up there buddy. Love your Hawks.”
      Also paying their respects, a spokesperson for Blisworth FC sand the club was “devastated”.
      Most read in Football
      And AFC Spinney wrote: “Rest in peace, Luke. A friend to many at Spinney.
      Luke, who coached ON Chenecks under-16s, worked at the manufacturers The Timken Company and and The Optimist pub.
      Colleagues described the keen West Ham supporter as “an amazing young man”.
      A fundraiser has been set up to help support his family and give him “the best send off possible”.
      Organiser Jamie Podkowka said: “It’s extremely difficult to even put into words how it feels.
      “Luke was an incredible human being, full of life and love (West Ham and beer mainly) that I had the pleasure of knowing. 
      “Alongside his Dad, Richard, and I, he helped coach his younger brother Jake’s football team and gave up his time selflessly to develop not only the football skills of those younger than him but in creating unforgettable bonds and friendships amongst the whole team.”
      The next Hunsbury Hawks home game against Hartwell Forest on Sunday will be dedicated to Luke. More

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      in Soccer

      Patrizio Billio dead at 48: Former Crystal Palace, Dundee and Aberdeen star passes away

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      FORMER Crystal Palace and AC Milan player Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48.The midfielder arrived at Selhurst Park in the late 1990s during a long career which saw him play for many clubs around Europe.
      Patrizio Billio has passed away at the age of 48Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The star was a midfielder during his playing days and enjoyed a career which took him from Italy to multiple clubs in the UKCredit: Scottish News and Sport
      Billio also played for Scottish clubs Dundee and Aberdeen in the early 2000s.
      He retired in 2010 and returned to AC Milan to coach their academy side in Kuwait.
      Milan confirmed Billio’s sad death on Twitter.
      They said: “Yesterday Patrizio Billio left us prematurely, who grew up in our youth sector and has been the coach of our football school in Kuwait since 2011.
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      “The entire Rossoneri family clings to the pain of their loved ones. Rest in peace, Patrick.”
      AC Milan’s Kuwait academy wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our head coach Patrizio Billio on Monday 23rd of January, 2023.
      “Over the past 10 years, Mr. Billio has done a remarkable job in elevating the training standards at the AC Milan Academy in Kuwait. 
      “You will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences goes to Mr. Billio’s family.”
      Most read in Football
      Billio grew up in Milan after his birth in 1974 and joined the Rossoneri’s youth academy.
      He was sent out on loan to lower league Italian clubs like Monza and Verona before eventually leaving the San Siro without making a senior appearance.
      Billio headed for Crystal Palace in the 1997-98 season and join up with his more experienced and famous countryman Attilio Lombardo.
      But Palace would end that season bottom of the table after losing 11 in 12 games between January and April.
      A four-year spell in Scotland would follow as Billio headed to Dundee and then Aberdeen.
      He left Dundee in 2002 after being attacked by a fan during a training session.
      Billio played for another six clubs in Italy before retiring. More

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      in Boxing

      Gerrie Coetzee dead aged 67 – Former world heavyweight champion who clashed with Frank Bruno dies after illness

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      BOXING champion Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67. The former world heavyweight champion clashed with the likes of Frank Bruno.
      South African heavyweight boxer Gerrie Coetzee squares up to Britain’s Frank BrunoCredit: Getty
      Coetzee was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championshipCredit: Rex
      He also was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championship, holding the title from 1983 to 1984.
      He competed from 1974 to 1986 and again in 1993 and 1997.
      And his knockout wins include fighting against Michael Dokes and former unified world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks.
      Coetzee fought against Britain’s Frank Bruno in 1986 and was knocked out.
      He had been battling cancer before his death was confirmed on Thursday night.
      Sports blogger Clinton van der Berg said: “A giant has fallen. The Boksburg Bomberhas succumbed to illness.
      “Almost exactly 40 years after his great triumph – winning the WBA heavyweight championship by 10th-round KO against Mike Dokes – Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67.
      “One of my boyhood heroes. RIP.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Another fan wrote: “One of my boyhood heroes has passed away. I always think of him when I hear the song – Eye of the Tiger. RIP Gerrie Coetzee.”
      South African rugby writer Brendan Nel wrote: “Gerrie Coetzee. A memory from my childhood. 3am get up to watch him box. World heavyweight champ gone. RIP.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Overfield dead at 90: Former Leeds and Sunderland star passes away as Premier League side pay tribute

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      FORMER Leeds star Jack Overfield has died at the age of 90.The Leeds-born ex-footballer is believed to have passed away over the festive season.
      Former Leeds United player Jack Overfield has died aged 90Credit: Twitter
      He scored 20 goals for the club in 163 appearances in all competitionsCredit: Alamy
      Overfield made 159 appearances in the league for Leeds, as well as four games in the FA Cup.
      Leeds paid tribute to their former player in a club statement.
      It read: “Rest in Peace.
      “Leeds United are saddened to hear of the passing of former player Jack Overfield, who has died at the age of 90.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Born in Leeds, Ovefield attended Victoria Road School and played with Yorkshire Amateurs, before joining Leeds United.
      “The outside left, made his Leeds debut against Nottingham Forest on 8th October 1955 and went on to make a total of 30 appearances during the 1955/56 Second Division campaign, in which Leeds finished as runners-up, earning promotion to the top-flight.
      “On Leeds’ return to the First Division, Overfield netted the first goal of the 1956/57 campaign, as part of a 5-1 victory over Everton.
      “In total, Overfield played 159 times in the league for the Whites, four times in the FA Cup and netted a total of 20 goals.
      Most read in Football
      “Following his time at Leeds, he went on to have spells at Sunderland, Peterborough United and Bradford City.
      “Overfield was one of the many legends who returned to the club for the Centenary celebrations which took place in October 2020.
      “Everyone at Elland Road would like to send our best wishes to all of Jack’s friends and family at this sad time.” More

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      in Soccer

      Modeste M’Bami dead aged 40: Ex-PSG and Cameroon star dies of heart attack with Fifa chief Infantino leading tributes

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      FORMER Paris Saint-Germain and Cameroon star Modeste M’Bami has tragically passed away from a heart attack, aged 40.The midfielder was capped 39 times by his country between 2000 and 2009.
      Modeste M’Bami spent three years with PSGCredit: Getty
      M’bami, left, also featured for Marseille for three seasonsCredit: Getty
      And he claimed a gold medal with Cameroon at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSG before joining Marseille in 2006.
      M’Bami then had trials at Premier League clubs in 2009 but ultimately ended up joining Almeria in Spain.
      He went on to play in China, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, before returning to France to finish his career at Le Havre.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He hung up his boots in 2016.
      PSG paid tribute to their former player on Sunday morning, with an emotional club statement reading: “Paris Saint-Germain is in mourning.
      “Modeste M’Bami has passed away at the age of 40 after suffering a heart attack.
      “Paris Saint-Germain offers heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
      Most read in Football
      Ex-Marseille team-mate Toifilou Maoulida gave an emotional tribute, tweeting: “I just heard the sad news 😢😔.
      “He was more than a teammate, a wonderful friend always smiling… All my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones 🖤
      “Rest in peace Modeste M’Bami 🙏🏽🕊️🕯️.”
      And Fifa president Gianni Infantino also offered his condolences following M’Bami’s passing.
      Sharing a photo of the former player on Instagram, he added: “Such sad news. RIP Modeste M’Bami.”
      Another of M’Bami’s former clubs, Saudi side Ittihad, also posted a message on social media which read: “Farewell Modeste M’bami. You were a great football player.”
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSGCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Gianluca Vialli dies: Latest as tributes pour in for Chelsea, Juventus and Italy legend – updates

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      GIANLUCA VIALLI has sadly died at the age of 58.The lovable former Juventus, Chelsea and Sampdoria star had been battling cancer for the last few years.
      He also managed the Blues and Watford, before becoming Roberto Mancini’s assistant as they went on to win Euro 2020 just 18 months ago.
      Vialli was one of the best strikers in Europe in the 1990s and won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 before moving to West London.
      Stay up to date for all the tributes on the Azzurri titan…
      ‘Vialli and Mancini ripped Serie A apart’
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank revealed his shock at seeing the news of Gianluca Vialli’s death – and reflected on his outstanding career.
      The former Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea legend passed away at the age of 58.
      And ahead of Brentford’s FA Cup game against West Ham tomorrow, Thomas Frank said: “I was shocked when I saw the news this morning. I remember him as a player, first of all in that Sampdoria team up front with [Roberto] Mancini, ripping Serie A apart.
      “[He was a ] fantastic striker in many senses, most likely one of the best ever in Italy. I never met him, but my sympathy and condolences go to his loved ones.”
      Bubbly Luca
      Gianluca Vialli once treated his Chelsea players to a glass of fancy champagne – before they took on London rivals Arsenal.
      The late Italian – who passed away today aged 58 – took charge of the Blues following Ruud Gullit’s sacking in 1998.
      Vialli was given a baptism of fire with a League Cup semi-final second-leg clash with eventual Premier League winners Arsenal.
      While most incoming managers rely on giving a Rocky-esque speech to motivate their new players for their match in charge, Vialli already had the respect and adoration of the troops as he spilled blood, sweat and tears with them on the pitch.
      And in his first pre-match team talk, he showed the class he’d become renowned for in years to come by handing each player a glass of champers.
      ‘Truly magnificent footballer’
      Gary Lineker has paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli via Twitter.
      Lineker’s gave statement after Vialli’s death
      Moment of Silence
      Chelsea Women held a moment of silence in training as a tribute to the late Gianluca Vialli.
      Chelsea women reflected on the life of Vialli before their training session
      AC Milan on Vialli
      AC Milan are one of several clubs passing on condolences to the loved ones of Italian legend Gianluca Vialli.
      The footballing world has been mouring Vialli
      ‘Bye My Friend’
      This was Carlo Ancelotti’s tribute to his fellow Italian Gianluca Vialli.
      Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had this tribute to his countryman
      James pays tribute
      Reece James has paid tribute to Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli.
      The full-back hailed the late Italian as “one of the very best”.
      Chelsea Football Club is in mourning after the death of a legend
      Gianluca Vialli – 1964-2023
      Tributes have been pouring in all morning for Chelsea and Juventus legend Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58
      ‘Our captain. My Captain. All the time.’
      Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has paid tribute to former teammate Gianluca Vialli.
      The pair were at Juventus together in the 90s and were part of a team who won multiple trophies during a golden period.
      He said of Vialli: “Our captain. My Captain. All the time. Bye Luca.”
      Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Vialli are both legends in Italian football
      Conte out of Press Conference
      Antonio Conte has pulled out of his pre-match press conference today following the death of Gianluca Vialli.
      Conte played alongside the former striker, who has died at the age of 58, when the pair were at Juventus together.
      His assistant Christian Stellini will now face questions from the media.
      Spurs are playing League 1 Portsmouth in the FA Cup this weekend.
      A Trophy-Laden Life
      Gianluca Vialli was considered one of the best strikers of his generation – and has a trophy cabinet to match his talent.
      Sampdoria – Seria A 1990-91, Coppa Italia 1984-85, 1987-88, 1988-89, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
      Juventus – Serie A 1994-95, Coppa Italia 1994-95, Champions League 1995-96, UEFA Cup 1992-1993
      Chelsea (player) – FA Cup 1996-97, League Cup 1998-98, UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1994-95
      Chelsea (manager) – FA Cup 1999-2000, League Cup 1997-98, FA Charity Shield 2000, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 1997-98, UEFA Super Cup 1998
      ‘Honour to have known you’
      TV football legend Chris Kamara has added a tribute to the late Gianluca Vialli.
      The Italian joined Kamara and co-host Ben Shephard on their former Sky Sports show ‘Goals on Sunday’ few years ago.
      Chris Kamara said ‘it was an honour’ to know Vialli
      ‘A truly awful day’
      Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali have added their voice to the tributes to Gianluca Vialli.
      They said in a statement: “This is truly an awful day for Chelsea Football Club. Gianluca’s legend will live on at Stamford Bridge.
      “His impact as a player, a coach and most importantly as a person, will be forever written across our club’s history. We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
      ‘Loved by fans, players and staff’
      Chelsea have hailed “legend” Gianluca Vialli on their website after the star’s passing.
      They said in a moving statement: “As soon as he walked through the door at Stamford Bridge when already a global football star, Luca declared his wish to become a Chelsea legend.
      “It is a target he undoubtedly reached, revered for his work on the pitch and in the dugout during some of the most successful years in our history.
      “Loved by fans, players and staff at Stamford Bridge, Luca will be sorely missed not just by the Chelsea community, but the entire footballing world, including in his native Italy, where he was such an iconic figure.”
      ‘We will miss you’
      Ruud Gullit has shared a picture of him and his former manager Gianluca Vialli after the ex-Chelsea player’s passing.
      The two were at Stamford Bridge together in the 90s with Vialli following Gullit as a player-manager after the Dutchman was sacked.
      He wrote: “RIP Gianluca Vialli. We will miss you” with a heart emoji.
      Ruud Gullit brought Vialli to Stamford Bridge in 1996
      ‘Gorgeous soul’
      Graeme Souness was fighting back tears as he paid tribute to his former teammate Gianluca Vialli, who he said had a “gorgeous soul”.
      An emotional Souness, who was at Sampdoria with Vialli between 1984 and 1986, said the striker was a “fun-loving guy” and a “warm individual.”
      Souness told Sky Sports News: “I can’t tell you how good a guy he was. Forget football for a minute, he was just a gorgeous soul, a truly nice human being.
      “He was just fabulous to be around. He was a fun-loving guy, full of mischief and a wonderful player. But I don’t want to talk about his football, I want to talk about him as a human being.
      “What a human being. My condolences go to his family and his wife. They’ve been blessed that their paths crossed him.”
      Sampdoria Say Goodbye
      Sampdoria have paid tribute to their former player Gianluca Vialli who has passed away at the age of 58.
      Vialli played at Sampdoria between 1984 and 1992, spending more time there than at any other club in his career.

      RIP Vialli
      The football world is in mourning once again as the passing of Gianluca Vialli has been announced.
      The former Chelsea hero passed way at the age of 58, five years after first being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
      With his wife and children by his side, the Italian sadly passed away on Friday, January 6 2023. When speaking to The Times about his cancer diagnosis, Vialli opened up on the support from his wife.
      He said: “My daughters helped me drawing my eyebrows and I have I asked my wife for advice what tricks to use. 
      “We laughed, you have to laugh, you need to find the funny side, but there were days where I locked myself in the bathroom so they wouldn’t see me cry.”
      ‘Genuinely gutted’
      Peter Crouch has paid tribute to his hero Gianluca Vialli, who has passed away at the age of 58.
      The former Liverpool man revealed how much he looked up to the star striker, who played for Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea in his action-packed playing days.
      Crouch tweeted: “I’m genuinely gutted about this.
      “I had Sampdoria home and away shirt because of him. I tried to replicate his volleys in the park and such a lovely man when I met him.”
      Sinclair on his former boss
      Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has hailed former boss Gianluca Vialli as “one of the nicest guys” he has met.
      The Italian has passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 58. Sinclair played with him and under him during the 1990s at Stamford Bridge.
      Frank Sinclair and Gianluca Vialli enjoyed some good times together at Stamford Bridge
      A Legend
      Gianluca Vialli was beloved in both his country and in England, particularly West London.
      The Italian moved to Chelsea in 1996 on a free transfer as part of Ruud Gullit’s rebuild during an exciting and experimental period in the club’s history.
      Vialli adapted very quickly and proved his goalscoring ability but did not always get on with Gullit.
      He then replaced the Dutchman in February 1998 after he was sacked, taking on a player-manager role and becoming the first Italian boss in Premier League history.
      He went on to win the League Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and then finish 3rd in the league in 1998. It was the Blues’ highest league finish since 1970.
      ‘Missed by so many’
      Chelsea have paid tribute to their former player and manager Gianluca Vialli.
      The Italian has died at the age of 58 and the West London club have tweeted that he would be “missed by so many.”
      Vialli was a player, player-manager and manager at Chelsea and popular with the fans
      Juventus pay tribute
      Gianluca Vialli’s former club Juventus have paid tribute to the Italian after his death was announced this morning.
      The Italian club posted a picture of the former striker lifting the Champions League in 1996 with the message “Ciao Gianluca.”
      Juventus have paid tribute to their former star player
      Gianluca Vialli dies aged 58
      Former Chelsea and Juventus striker Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
      The striker was a popular player during his time at Stamford Bridge and later went on to be the Chelsea manager. 
      He led the club to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup in 1998 and then the FA Cup in 2000.
      Vialli had been given the all-clear from cancer in April 2020 following a 17-month struggle. 
      But he was diagnosed with the illness for a second time in 2021 and his condition worsened in the weeks leading up to Christmas last year. 
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      in Soccer

      Grief-stricken Antonio Conte pulls out of Tottenham press conference after death of Italy legend Gianluca Vialli

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      ANTONIO CONTE has pulled out of Tottenham’s press conference following the death of Gianluca Vialli.The Italian manager was due to speak to the press ahead of Spurs’ FA Cup tie against Portsmouth tomorrow.
      Antonio Conte pulled out of a press conference following the death of Gianluca VialliCredit: PA
      Vialli died at the age of 58Credit: Reuters
      However, Conte was a no-show following the announcement that Vialli had passed away at the age of 58.
      He died after his pancreatic cancer returned in 2021 after he was given the all-clear in 2020.
      Vialli continued to work until he was forced to step away from his role with the Italian national team last month.
      The two Italians played together at Serie A side Juventus between 1992 and 1996.
      READ MORE ON GIANLUCA VIALLI
      However, they never played together for the Italian national team, as Vialli had finished his international career before Conte’s debut.
      They were both part of the successful Juventus side that won the UEFA Cup in 1993, the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia double in 1995, as well as the Champions League in 1996.
      Vialli ended his time in Turin in 1996 when he moved to the Premier League Chelsea, where he would then become player-manager for a year.
      It is another overlap in their careers as Conte also managed the Stamford Bridge side, taking charge in 2016 before he was sacked in 2018.
      Most read in Football
      Conte is still expected on the touchline at Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which will take place just 24 hours after Vialli’s death.
      The 53-year-old manager will be hoping that his side can convert their Premier League form after they thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday evening.
      Spurs assistant manager Cristian Stellini took over the duty of the press conference in Conte’s absence and spoke about the manager’s emotions.
      He said: “Absolutely, Antonio, in this moment, is upset and sad and every one of us we are close to Vialli’s family and all the people that love Vialli.”
      Stellini also paid tribute to Vialli as he said: “He’s an important person in Italy and also in England. We’re close together to stay with his family and remember him in the right way.
      “He was a great player, but first of all was a great man. He taught us a lot of things, not only when he played but when he spoke with everyone.
      “When you know him, and the people who know him can only speak well about this great guy. He was a great leader for Italy.
      “He opened the door for Italian managers. He was the first [in England]. In that moment, maybe Premier League for us was different, not a country for Italian managers.
      “But, in that moment, the Premier League grew a lot and overcame the Serie A.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Now we have to say thanks to Vialli for opening this door to everyone. He let us understand how important football in Europe is, to open doors.
      “Because an Italian manager came into the PL and improved the PL together. It’s a great thing.” More