Best quotes on Gianluca Vialli

As a member of the current technical staff at the Italian national team, Vialli provided guidance as his nation won the recent Euro 2020 tournament against England. A favourite with the Sampdoria, Juventus, and Chelsea football teams, we take a look at some of the best quotes on Gianluca Vialli.

A major success at Sampdoria, he helped the club to its first ever Serie A League championship in 1991, and was one of their top goalscorers, forming a potent partnership with current Italian coach Roberto Mancini.

In a career that saw 167 league goals in 488 matches, Vialli netted 38 times for Juventus in 102 outings, with the Serie A, Champions League, and the UEFA Cup coming his way.

A short spell at Chelsea still saw him net a goal almost every two games. Three more major honours followed and is was the same when he managed the club between 1998 and 2000 with five trophies gained.

His international appearances for Italy saw 16 goals in 59 matches and two World Cup finals selections. By the time he hung up his boots, he was the tenth highest scoring Italian footballer in all competitions.  

Taking up television football commentating after retiring, Vialli also co-founded a sports investment platform. His recent involvement with the Italian team helped him to re-unite with his childhood friend and former team-mate Mancini. The two were known as ‘The Goal Twins’ during their successful period with Sampdoria during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

“He’s a strong and intelligent guy, he has always been an example and a point of reference for all of us.”
Roberto Mancini (Italy manager)

“…..modern striker, gifted with power and style…..the most representative player of his generation.”
Marino Bortoletti (Italian journalist)

“He looks fitter and sharper…..”
Ruud Gullit (Chelsea manager, after four goals in a game)

“He defends like a tiger…..attacks like a lion and is sharper than a puma.”
Vujadin Boskov (Sampdoria coach)

“He is…..the Michelangelo of the Sistine Chapel. A sculptor who can transform himself into a painter.”
Gianni Agnelli (Juventus owner)

“He is a born leader, he can do well in this double role…..”
Azeglio Vicini (former Italian coach, on player-manager role)

“Chelsea have great admiration for the achievements of Gianluca Vialli in his two-and-a-half years in charge of team affairs and would like to place on record our appreciation for his services to Chelsea Football Club.”
Chelsea FC

“We spent a number of years together, and we have relationship that goes way beyond friendship. He’s almost like a brother to me.”
Roberto Mancini

“…..intelligent man…..”
Ian Ridley (journalist)

“He looked really good to me in the role of coach; he seems perfectly comfortable.”
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan player)

“He’s strong, much stronger than me…..”
Roberto Mancini

“His tenacious, combative style allied with his pace and eye for goal…..”
League Manager’s Association