Gianluca Vialli’s former teammates paid tribute to the ex-Italian striker ahead of today’s match between Sampdoria and Udinese at Marassi and Gianluca Pagliuca could not fight back tears.
Vialli’s friends and ex-teammates Pagliuca, Mannini, Bonetti, Pari, Vierchowod Pellegrini, Lombardo, Invernizzi, Cerezo, Salsano, Branca and Dossena honoured the ex-striker who died in London from pancreatic cancer on January 6.
Roberto Mancini could not be at Marassi, so he facetimed Lombardo who is part of his Italy’s staff.
Current Sampdoria President Marco Lanna, a former teammate of Vialli and a Serie A champion in 1990-91 read a touching letter before kick-off.
“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,” he said.
“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 unveiled a giant Vialli banner with the message ‘Your courage, is our strength’ and sang their classic song for the club’s legend: ‘Luca Vialli alé alé, we love you and adore you, you are better than Pelé.’
Could not have said that very last part.