The family of the late Gianluca Vialli attended a special ceremony at Vatican City today, meeting Pope Francis and receiving a special gift.
The former Sampdoria and Juventus striker tragically passed away aged 58 last month following a long battle with pancreatic cancer, which ultimately forced him to step away from his role in Roberto Mancini’s Italy set-up. Vialli was an important part of the staff during the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 run and was a much-appreciated figure.
As reported by Vatican News, Vialli’s wife Cathryn White Cooper and his two daughters Olivia and Sofia, as well as his brothers, attended a special ceremony at Vatican City today, meeting Pope Francis.
They were presented with an Italy shirt, bearing the name Francesco, in a ceremony that was also attended by his close friend Mancini.
Vialli’s daughters Olivia and Sofia wanted to meet the Pope to share the greatest wish of the former striker in the final period of his life, which was to walk his daughters down the aisle. Tragically, this year Vialli and White Cooper would’ve celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.