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      Arsenal signing Jorginho learned his football skills from his mum playing on the beach in Brazil, before winning Euros

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      FOOTBALL superstar Jorginho has come a long way from the sandy beaches and blue waters of Imbituba in southern Brazil.The Italian midfield maestro, now 31, has joined Arsenal after nearly five years at Chelsea for a fee in the region of £12million.
      Italian midfield maestro Jorginho boasts an impressive CV, including a Champions League winCredit: The Sun
      Jorginho, in the middle, revealed he learned his football skills from his mum, aboveCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      From a young age, Jorginho showed an aptitude and passion for footballCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      His impressive CV boasts a Champions League win with the Blues, as well as a European Championships with Italy and a third placed Ballon d’Or finish just two years ago.
      But, it’s his mum who he credits for his incredible rise in the game.
      “My mother played football so I learned a lot from her,” Jorginho revealed in 2013.
      “She still plays today and understands a lot. She would take me to the beach with a ball and I would spend the whole afternoon doing technical work in the sand.”
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      Mum Maria Tereza Freitas would spend most of her day working as a cleaner to put food on the table and earn enough money to buy her son boots and a ball, while taking him to play for his local team Bruscão.
      By the age of 13, Jorginho moved 112 miles from home to fulfil his football dreams in an academy financed by a businessman to produce the best young footballers in the country.
      It was the making of the teen, who would go on to become a Premier League regular and Italy hero.
      To Verona and beyond
      An exciting prospect as a boy, Jorginho was selected in a group of 50 kids selected as part of a project formed by Italian businessmen in Guabiruba to create the next wave of brilliant Brazilians.
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      But these weren’t the state-of-the-art facilities youngsters today are accustomed to.
      Windowless rooms, monotonous meals and ice-cold baths made for a grim experience.
      However, two years later he was signed by Italian club Verona who played in the second tier at that time.
      Jorginho’s first deal at the club was far from lucrative, though. While the agent took £27,000 from the transaction, the emerging midfielder had just £18-a-week to live on.
      A large chunk of that went on keeping in touch with his mum, who managed to convince him to continue his football education after he threatened to quit.
      At first, the young boy struggled to fit in to his new surroundings. He couldn’t live in a boarding school with his other team-mates.
      Instead, Riccardo Prisciantelli, the former chief executive of Hellas Verona, gave Jorginho to a trusted priest and he lived in a convent among other monks.
      Jorginho played for local teams in his homeland, including Bruscão
      At 13, Jorginho was selected for a football factory among 50 other talented Brazilian boys
      Mum Maria Tereza Freitas supported her son’s dreams and talked him out of quittingCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      “I could not do anything,” he told the Daily Mail.
      “I used five euros for mobile credit, bought hygiene products, which was 15 euros, and the rest was used online to talk to my family.
      “It was like that for a year-and-a-half.
      “In the second year, I trained with the professionals and when I met the Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Pinheiro, who is almost a brother to me, I told my story and he did not believe it.
      “From there, he did not let me miss anything.”
      The Wolf of the Future at Napoli
      Jorginho’s sheer determination to make it as a pro earned him the nickname ‘The Wolf of the Future’ among his peers at the Italian club.
      He worked hard on the pitch, and was regularly seen in the gym at the training centre – where he worked hard from dawn to dusk.
      After a successful loan spell with Serie D side Sambonifacese, Jorginho returned to Verona and excelled, making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in September 2011.
      He was a key figure in their promotion-winning side in 2013 and earned a move to Italian giants Napoli six months later – snubbing Manchester City’s advances.
      At Napoli, Jorginho became one of the world’s top midfieldersCredit: AFP or licensors
      Jorginho found a father figure in Maurizio Sarri – who he followed to Chelsea from NapoliCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During his time at the Stadio San Paolo, Jorginho learned about the Premier League after rooming with Nathaniel Chalobah, the former Blues midfielder on loan to the Serie A side in 2015.
      For three years, Jorginho worked under former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri in Naples – and they were briefly reunited in West London.
      The Italian coach knew his qualities well.
      “Jorginho is not a physical player, he is a technical player,” Sarri said.
      “The most important quality is that he is very quick in the mind.”
      Life after Sarri
      Losing an important mentor in the game could have hindered Jorginho’s Premier League career before it had really got going.
      Sarri was sacked after a year at Stamford Bridge and replaced with Frank Lampard – who himself lasted just 18 months.
      In came Thomas Tuchel after his PSG sacking – who was known for his more pragmatic approach.
      But that didn’t stop the deep-lying playmaker from playing his best football in a Blues shirt.
      Thomas Tuchel got the best out of Jorginho at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Jorginho was an integral part of Chelsea’s 2020-21 Champions League campaignCredit: Getty
      Months later, Jorginho celebrated a spectacular 2021 by winning the EurosCredit: EPA
      Speaking of Tuchel, Jorginho said: “He understood my characteristics.
      “The way to play with short passes when we need short passes and long balls when we need long balls.”
      In return, the German called his talisman “one of the very best midfielders in the world.”
      Together, they conquered Europe – winning the Champions League in 2021.
      Months later, he would cap off the most wonderful football season by lifting the European Championships with Italy – beating England in the final on penalties.
      Jorginho was voted third in the Ballon d’or – behind winner Lionel Messi and runner-up Robert Lewandowski for his efforts for club and country.
      Celebrity status
      Away from the pitch, the 46-cap Italy star is in a romance with singer Catherine Harding (better known as Cat Cavelli) who appeared on The Voice in 2020 and was mentored by Olly Murs.
      It was alleged Jorginho met her while still married to Italian model Natalia Leteri.
      They divorced in 2020, the same year Jorginho and Harding welcomed a son, Jax – his third child.
      Jorginho is in a romance with singer Catherine HardingCredit: Instagram / @cat_cavelli_
      Harding is a former ex and baby mama of Jude LawCredit: Instagram / @cat_cavelli_
      Harding, herself, had a daughter called Ada with Hollywood star Jude Law, after they had a brief romance in 2014.
      A-list status is not something that Jorginho is worried about embracing.
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      But with a title charge at Arsenal for his next port of call, he will be hoping for a blockbuster end to the season. More

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      Man Utd ‘want Federico Chiesa transfer but face £90m fight for Juventus and Italy winger from arch-rivals Liverpool’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly interested in signing Juventus star Federico Chiesa.The Italian winger is valued at £90million however it is believed that there is a host of European clubs looking at him.
      Federico Chiesa is a reported target of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils want have been monitoring the situation at the Serie A club after the Italian giants were given a huge 15-point penalty for orchestrating a transfer scam over three seasons.
      This could lead to a move for Chiesa, according to Calcio Mercato.
      The Old Trafford side could see the Italy international as an upgrade on Jadon Sancho.
      Should they sign Chiesa, it would free up in-form Marcus Rashford to become a specialised striker and play through the middle.
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      Although United will have to fight off competition from Liverpool.
      The same source has suggested that the Reds view the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for star attacker Mohamed Salah.
      Chiesa has recently recovered from an ACL injury that he picked up last year.
      And is starting to look capable of replicating his best form, having scored for the first time this season against Monza in the Coppa Italia.
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      Juventus face a battle to qualify for the Champions League next season and miss out on the financial benefits that the competition brings due to their points penalty.
      The Turin-based side is 14 points off the pace of Lazio and Inter Milan, who sit on 37 points in 3rd and 4th place respectively.

      Juventus’ new CEO Maurizio Scanavino had admitted that the club is trying to appeal the penalty.
      He said: “We consider this sentence absolutely unjust and unfair.
      “In the coming days we await the reasons, which should arrive by the end of the month, but we will certainly appeal to CONI [Italian Federation of Football] to support our positions, which are very solid and clear, and which had already been successfully accepted in the ordinary process.
      “The club is already organizing the defence and the appeal to CONI for a sentence that inevitably influences – and immediately – also the club’s transfer market.” More

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      Chelsea legend Didier Drogba poses for pic with unrecognisable World Cup legend – can you tell who it is?

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      DIDIER DROGBA posed for a selfie with a totally unrecognisable World Cup legend.Chelsea hero Drogba, 44, took to Instagram to post the photo.
      Didier Drogba smiled with his idol – but who is the mystery footballer?Credit: Instagram @didierdrogba
      The Ivorian wore a black shirt and sunglasses to go with his shaved head and beaming smile.
      And his “idol” – also in shades – was clearly also happy to hang out with the 2012 Champions League winner.
      He wrapped his arm around Drogba’s shoulder in a black blazer to go with his grey curly hair and goatee beard.
      And the 55-year-old completed the look with a No18 necklace.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      However, this former Ballon d’Or winner is far more associated with wearing the No10 and his luscious long locks on the biggest stage of all.
      He scored 291 club goals in his 643 games for the likes of Fiorentina, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus.
      The attacker lifted the Serie A trophy twice as well as the Coppa Italia and the Uefa Cup.
      On the international scene, his return was an impressive 27 goals in 56 senior caps for Italy.
      Most read in Football
      That included seven World Cup strikes, four of which came as Italy reached the final in 1994.
      However, it was his penalty miss in the shootout that secured Brazil victory in the final.
      Even to this day, the former footballer admits he has not forgotten the moment he skied Italy’s dreams.
      He said in 2022: “I will never forget it. That was a childhood dream come true and then it ended in the most absurd fashion and I never got over it.
      “The people always showed me great love and affection, they understood my suffering, but I am very demanding with myself.
      “I had a thousand opportunities to miss a penalty in my career, that was the one I really couldn’t miss.”
      The mystery footballer is of course… Roberto Baggio.
      Baggio ditched the iconic long hair a while back – and shocked fans with his new look when he touched down in Qatar ahead of the World Cup final.
      But he is still a popular figure in football at home in Italy and around the world.
      Read More on The Sun
      Baggio retired in 2004 and spent time as Italian football’s technical director alongside his various charity work.
      Away from football, he has three children with wife Andreina Fabbi, who he married in 1989.
      Roberto Baggio is an Italy legend and scored at three World CupsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Italy legend Pagliuca breaks down in tears as Sampdoria unveil stunning tribute to Gianluca Vialli after star’s death

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      ITALY legend Pagliuca broke down in tears as Sampdoria paid tribute to the late Gianluca Vialli.Vialli passed away earlier this month aged 58 after a battle with cancer.
      Sampdoria paid tribute to Vialli before kick-offCredit: Getty
      Italy legend Pagliuca could be seen in tears
      A number of Vialli’s ex-team-mates were presentCredit: Getty
      Former strike partner Mancini was on FaceTime with Attilio LombardoCredit: Getty
      Vialli after winning Euro 2020 alongside ManciniCredit: AFP
      Vialli and Mancini were strike partners at SampdoriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The ex-striker enjoyed a glittering career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea and earned 59 caps for Italy.
      Ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash with Udinese, Sampdoria and Vialli’s former team-mates paid tribute to the club legend.
      Massive banners could be seen in one of the stands at Sampdoria’s home, the Luigi Ferraris.
      A young Vialli draped in blue, red, white and black was paraded.
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      A message read: “Your courage is our strength.”
      Ex-team-mates Pagliuca, Mannini, Bonetti, Pari, Vierchowod Pellegrini, Attilio Lombardo, Invernizzi, Cerezo, Salsano, Branca and Dossena honoured Vialli.
      Roberto Mancini could not be present, but was seen on FaceTime with former Palace star Lombardo.
      Vialli was on Mancini’s staff when Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final.
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      Pagliuca could be seen in floods of tears as they paid tribute to their friend.
      Current Sampdoria president Marco Lanna, a former team-mate of Vialli and a Serie A champion in 1990-91, had words for his pal before kick-off.
      He said: “Dear Luca, we’ve thought about you for so long, we’ve been looking for you in the videos, and we’ve watched your goals and celebrations again.
      “We’ve remembered what sort of teammate you were. We often listen to your emotional words ‘I signed for us.’
      “We looked into the tears and the countless words and gestures you made during your battle.
      “Life lessons to make us become better people. You will forever be in our hearts, with you, we made a magnificent moment of our life unforgettable.
      “We are here on behalf of every Sampdoria fan. It is in the storm that you see the real sailors. Hi Luca, we love you.”
      Sampdoria fans sang: “Luca Vialli alé alé, we love you and adore you, you are better than Pele.”
      Vialli’s former team went on to lose the game 1-0 with Kingsley Ehizibue scoring a late winner for Udinese.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sampdoria are struggling in the Italian top flight.
      They’re sat 19th after 19 games, picking up just 9 points.
      It was an emotional tribute at Sampdoria’s Genoa-based groundCredit: Getty
      A letter to Vialli was read outCredit: Rex
      The tribute took place before Sampdoria’s clash with UdineseCredit: Rex
      A banner read: ‘Your courage is our strength’Credit: Getty More

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      West Brom wonderkid Amihere Idrissa Dauda to make international debut for ITALY in huge blow to England

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      WEST BROM wonderkid Amihere Idrissa Dauda is set to make his youth international debut this week… for Italy.Dauda is already being monitored by big clubs in England and Europe.

      The centre-back, 15, also qualifies for England and Ghana.
      But he was born in Italy and has already caught the eye of the European champions.
      Dauda was the only player not from an Italian club to attend a pre-Christmas tournament that acted as a selection trial for the country’s Under-15 side.
      A total of 88 young talents attended the four-day event as his side won all three of their matches.
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      Now he is in line to play in a friendly against Albania on Tuesday at the Italian federation’s Coverciano headquarters near Florence.
      West Brom will have high hopes for Dauda as their latest academy rising star following the success of first-teamers Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Reyes Cleary who came through the youth set-up.
      England have seen both sides of the challenge of convincing players who qualify for more than one country to choose the Three Lions.
      Both Declan Rice and Jack Grealish represented the Republic of Ireland before switching to England.
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      But Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala played for the Three Lions right up to U21 level before opting for Germany.
      Tariq Lamptey followed a similar path through the England youth ranks but now represents Ghana while fellow right-back Matty Cash secured his Polish passport ahead of the World Cup.
      Reyes Cleary progressed through the West Brom academyCredit: Getty
      Jamal Musiala ditched England to represent GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Emotional moment Gianluca Vialli and Mancini cry and embrace following Euro 2020 win after he beat cancer for first time

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      GIANLUCA VIALLI and Roberto Mancini emotionally embraced following Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph – a year after Vialli beat cancer for the first time.It was confirmed on Friday morning that the former Chelsea player and manager, 58, had passed away following a second battle with cancer.
      One of the most beautiful moments. Luca Vialli and Bobby Mancini after the victory at the EUROs. Such a formidable force from their Sampdoria days, they reunited with the Azzurri and led them all the way. Eternally grateful Luca. pic.twitter.com/JouGimUlLA— Italian Football News 🇮🇹 (@footitalia1) January 6, 2023

      Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini emotionally embraced after Italy won Euro 2020Credit: AP
      Vialli was part of Mancini’s backroom team during the tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The pair were great friends, having played together at SampdoriaCredit: Getty
      Vialli was part of Mancini’s backroom team for Euro 2020, which culminated in the penalty shootout win over England in the final.
      The pair were great friends, having spent eight years together at Sampdoria during their playing days.
      Mancini brought Vialli into the Italy setup in November 2019, and in April 2020 he announced he had been given the all-clear from cancer.
      Vialli had first been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017.
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      And the pair were overcome by emotion when Italy beat the Three Lions on penalties in July 2021 at Wembley.
      A video of Vialli and Mancini embracing in tears has resurfaced on social media today.
      As Italy’s players celebrated, the two great friends gripped each other tightly on the Wembley surface while visibly emotional.
      They shared a private moment after helping the Azzurri to glory.
      Most read in Football
      Vialli’s cancer returned later that year, and last month he was forced to step away from his role with the Italian national team.
      His mother rushed to be by his side in a London hospital after his condition reportedly worsened before Christmas.
      On Friday morning it was announced Vialli had passed away, with tributes pouring in for the hugely popular Italian.
      Former club Chelsea described him as a “legend”, while Graeme Souness broke down in tears on Sky when speaking about his team-mate from Sampdoria. More

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      Meet Italy’s ‘most beautiful footballer’ who often swaps her kit for bikinis and found love with Italian player

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      AGATA CENTASSO has been hailed as Italy’s “most beautiful footballer”.The midfielder plays for Serie B side Venezia’s women’s team and dons the number 80 on the back of her shirt.
      Agata Centasso is believed to be Italy’s most beautiful footballerCredit: Instagram
      She plays for Serie B Venezia’s women’s teamCredit: Instagram
      The midfielder has built up a following of over 50,000 on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Centasso wears the number 80 when she plays for VeneziaCredit: https://twitter.com/AgataCentasso/status/1609541114939465728
      The 29-year-old has started to attract interest on social media due to the combination of her stunning looks and footballing ability.
      Centasso often posts on her Instagram account, which has attracted over 50,000 followers.
      Fans who follow her account love to see her, whether it be in full football kit or her skimpy outfits.
      It has been reported that she developed her love of football because her dad and two brothers included her in matches in the garden during her childhood.
      READ MORE IN THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
      And football overflows into her personal life as her partner is Andrea Migliorini.
      He is currently playing for Serie D side Lavello, but the 34-year-old also played for Centasso’s Venezia in 2012 and 2013.
      The highest level he reached was with Serie B side SPAL before he moved to Venezia in 2012.
      She has regularly appeared on the Italian outlet Di Mazio to talk about being a footballer.
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      Centasso is also a fan of England’s Lionesses as she tweeted: “Congrats from Italy” following the team’s Euros win last summer.
      Although football is not the only sport she is fond of as she regularly posts pictures of herself playing tennis.
      And if she could seem to be any better, according to the Argentine outlet Diario Popular, she also takes time to be a health social worker and gives aid to disabled people.
      There will be some hope that, at some point, she will be able to share the same pitch with Ana Maria Markovic, who is believed to be the “world’s most beautiful footballer”.
      She developed her love of football after playing with her dad and brothers in the garden in her childhoodCredit: Instagram
      The 29-year-old also works as a health social workerCredit: Instagram
      Centasso celebrated the Lionesses’ win at the Euros last summerCredit: Instagram More

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      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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