Gianluca Vialli: Conte Shares Powerful Tribute After Ex-Chelsea Star's Death

• Antonio Conte had to pull out of a press conference after learning of the death of Gianluca Vialli
• The former Chelsea and Italy striker passed away after a brave battle with cancer
• Conte hailed Vialli as a friend in a powerful tribute on social media

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte paid a powerful tribute to departed Italy legend Gianluca Vialli on Friday, January 6.

Vialli passed away aged 59, nearly two years after coming out saying he had been given the all clear on his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

He is very popular among Sampdoria fans in the Serie A, where he scored 141 goals in eight seasons and won the Serie A title and European Cup Winners' Cup.

Conte also had brushes with Vialli in the Italian national team, and on his Instagram account, the former Juventus boss declared the departed would always be an inspiration to him.

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"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.” He wrote.

"Always in my heart, my friend. Caio Gianluca."

Conte’s most recent encounter with Vialli was only a few months ago, when the two met for dinner.

Conte pulls out of presser

As reported on The Sun, Conte was due to speak to the press ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Portsmouth on Saturday.

But the untimely demise of his friend led to the Italian missing the press conference altogether, and it is unlikely he will face any sanctions as a result.

Vialli, despite his condition, continued to work with the Italian national team until he was forced to step away from his role in December.

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