Antonio Conte posts heartbreaking tribute to Gianluca Vialli after grief-stricken Tottenham boss missed press conference
ANTONIO CONTE has posted a heartfelt tribute to Gianluca Vialli after missing his Tottenham press conference earlier today.
The Italian manager took to social media to honour his friend and former team-mate, writing that Vialli will always be an “inspiration” to him.
Conte wrote on Instagram: “Having dinner together in London a few months ago as we had fun remembering all our adventures and battles on the field.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, you have had to fight a great and terrible battle in life.
“I told you and wrote that you have always been an inspiration to me as my Captain and for how you were proving to be Strong, Proud and Brave, fighting like a lion against this disease.
“Always in my heart, my friend. Caio Gianluca.”
Conte was due to speak to the press ahead of Spurs‘ FA Cup tie against Portsmouth tomorrow.
However, he was a no-show following the announcement that Vialli had passed away at the age of 58.
The retired forward died after his pancreatic cancer returned in 2021 after he was given the all-clear in 2020.
He continued to work until he was forced to step away from his role with the Italian national team last month.
The two Italians played together at Serie A side Juventus between 1992 and 1996.
However, they never played together for the Italian national team, as Vialli had finished his international career before Conte’s debut.
They were both part of the successful Juventus side that won the UEFA Cup in 1993, the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia double in 1995, as well as the Champions League in 1996.
Vialli ended his time in Turin in 1996 when he moved to the Premier League Chelsea, where he would then become player-manager for a year.
It is another overlap in their careers as Conte also managed the Stamford Bridge side, taking charge in 2016 before he was sacked in 2018.
Antonio in this moment, is upset and sad and every one of us we are close to Vialli’s family and all the people that love Vialli
Cristian Stellini
Conte is still expected on the touchline at Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which will take place just 24 hours after Vialli’s death.
The 53-year-old manager will be hoping that his side can convert their Premier League form after they thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday evening.
Spurs assistant manager Cristian Stellini took over the duty of the press conference in Conte’s absence and spoke about the manager’s emotions.
He said: “Absolutely, Antonio in this moment, is upset and sad and every one of us we are close to Vialli’s family and all the people that love Vialli.”
Stellini also paid tribute to Vialli as he said: “He’s an important person in Italy and also in England. We’re close together to stay with his family and remember him in the right way.
“He was a great player, but first of all was a great man. He taught us a lot of things, not only when he played but when he spoke with everyone.
“When you know him, and the people who know him can only speak well about this great guy. He was a great leader for Italy.
“He opened the door for Italian managers. He was the first [in England]. In that moment, maybe Premier League for us was different, not a country for Italian managers.
“But, in that moment, the Premier League grew a lot and overcame the Serie A.
“Now we have to say thanks to Vialli for opening this door to everyone. He let us understand how important football in Europe is, to open doors.
“Because an Italian manager came into the PL and improved the PL together. It’s a great thing.”