Italy’s Euro 2020 winner Federico Bernardeschi recalls Gianluca Vialli’s motivational speeches: ‘What he taught us will remain forever.’
The former Juventus and Fiorentina winger spoke to Sky Sport Italia after Vialli’s death in London.
The ex-Chelsea and Sampdoria striker had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and stepped down as Italy’s delegation chief a month ago.
He was part of Roberto Mancini’s staff when the Azzurri won the Euros a year and a half ago.
“If he has received the 1% of what he gave us, I’d be the happiest person in the world,” said Bernardeschi.
“When he was talking, everyone was quiet, there was absolute silence. He got where he wanted. This is a gift he had and I think he transmitted it in an exceptional way I think this is his legacy, what he taught us, which will remain forever.”
READ MORE – HOW VIALLI INSPIRED ITALY’S EURO 2020 VICTORY
Former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini also spoke to Sky Sport Italia and struggled to fight back the tears while remembering the impact Vialli had in the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 campaign.
Vialli is the last Juventus captain to have lifted the Champions League. It happened in 1996 when the Old Lady beat Ajax on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Vialli inspired Italy’s victory at Euro 2020 with motivational speeches and even with a superstitious routine that would see him left behind when the team bus was about to leave Coverciano as if he was forgotten.
“There was a lot of emotion when he was talking, the atmosphere was different,” continued Bernardeschi.
“He was doing so not to get something back. He gave his all and he did it for us all. He worked with all of us, trying to create a feeling and a link, he was that link, he was that secret. We were lucky to live with this person because what he left is indescribable.”
Who is Bernardoski!?? Is he even Italian or russian? Even his name does not sound italian