A window into the past: the late Gianluca Vialli was the most expensive player in the world

On the feast of the Three Kings on 6 January, Italian international Gianluca Vialli died in London at the age of 58 after a serious illness – pancreatic cancer. An outstanding striker who was at one time the most expensive footballer in the world. And who never played against a Czech or Czechoslovakian team.

He came from Cremona, but started to gain football fame at Sampdoria Genoa, where he moved at the age of 20 in 1984. His recognition reached such a level that in 1992, when the famous Juventus Turin coveted him, he became the world’s most expensive player.

In fact, Juventus offered Sampdoria four players (Mauro Bertarelli, Eugenio Corini, Michele Serena and Nicola Zanini) as compensation for him and added a sum of money. The total cost was estimated at around 40 billion lire, which at the time was the highest amount ever spent on a footballer in the world.

The centre-forward joined the offensive chic, along with Roberto Baggio (Ballon d’Or 1993) and the ‘grey wolf’ Fabrizio Ravanelli. The following year they were joined by Alessandro Del Piero.

Although Vialli became a great figure in world football, he never played against a Czech or Czechoslovak team. His big opportunity came at the 1990 World Cup, where he was in Group A with the home team Italy.

Vialli played a full minute in the victories over Austria and the USA (1: 0), and against Czechoslovakia, when both teams were already assured of advancing to the knockout rounds, coach Azeglio Vicini saved him for the next matches.

When Arirgo Sacchi took over the Azzurra squad, Vialli’s position weakened considerably. They didn’t find a relationship, the agile striker hated the authoritative coach. He last represented the country in December 1992 against Malta.

When he transferred to English club Chelsea FC in 1996, his path to his native country closed completely. He coached, married and lived in London after his active career ended.

Even Vialli’s clubs – Sampdoria Genoa, Juventus Turin and Chelsea FC – did not come up against Czech opponents in the European Cups during his tenure.

Czech fans have not been able to see his art with their own eyes.

Source: Football Italia, Wikipedia