“Lost an incredible man” – F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali pays an emotional tribute to the late Italian Football star Gianluca Vialli


“Lost an incredible man” – F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali pays an emotional tribute to the late Italian Football star Gianluca Vialli

Gianluca Vialli

Gianluca Vialli was an Italian Football superstar turned manager. Vialli started his club career in 1980 and over the years won several championships. Most notably, Gianluca won the UEFA Champions League with Juventus in the 1995-1996 Football season. He even became the player-manager at Chelsea in 1998 before retiring as a striker to focus on the managerial side of the English club.

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Thus, the sporting world suffered an immense loss, when on January 6, 2023, Gianluca Vialli passed away after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Sportspersons across the world paid their respects to the Italian Football legend. F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali was at the forefront of expressing his grief. The official Formula 1 Media Twitter account posted a touching few words by Domenicali in memory of Gianluca.

Vialli was one of the finest in the world of Italian Football

Stefano Domenicali mourned the death of the Italian star and called it a big loss. The F1 CEO said, “We have lost an incredible man with the passing of Gianluca Vialli.” Stefano went on to praise Vialli’s talent as well as the Italian’s humble and caring personality. Domenicali stated, “He was an amazing talent – kind, caring and generous with a love for life.” The F1 boss further mentioned his personal feelings for the late Gianluca.

Also Read: Who is Gianluca Vialli? All you need to know about the late Italian football legend

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Gianluca Vialli met Stefano Domenicali to look at the 2022 F1 concept car in 2021

Gianluca Vialli visited the F1 base in the UK in 2021

Stefano Domenicali continued, “He was a friend and I will miss him hugely.” A nod to the friendship between the two Italian giants who acclaimed wide success in their respective careers. Domenicali ended his short statement about Gianluca Vialli’s death by sending thoughts and prayers from the entire F1 paddock to Vialli’s family. The F1 CEO wrote, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”

Gianluca Vialli and Stefano Domenicali were indeed friends. Back in September 2021, Vialli even took a trip down to the F1 Headquarters in the United Kingdom to meet the Formula 1 CEO. During this trip, Gianluca even got the opportunity to view the 2022 F1 concept car before the start of a new dawn in F1. The pair had a great time, with Stefano being able to describe the new F1 era to his friend from the world of Football.

It is indeed tragic to lose a legend such as Gianluca Vialli. As we can see, Gianluca was not only a great striker and manager in The Beautiful Game but also had a humble and kind personality. Thus, despite losing the Italian at the age of 58, his legacy will continue for decades to come. The entire sporting world will remember Vialli’s stunning career in Football and of course, his kindness.

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