Vialli, the funeral in London in private form (with a secret date). In Cremona the idea of ​​naming the stadium after him

THE funerals Of Gianluca Vialli will take place in the coming days at London privately. And, in all likelihood, the date will not be disclosed. The decision was made by the family. The blue champion, coach and then commentator, passed away last night at the age of 58 after a long fight against one of the tumors more aggressive, that of the pancreas. «We thank the many who have supported him over the years with their affection. The memory of her and her example will live forever in our hearts,” the relatives wrote in a note. As reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, however, in the coming months, perhaps at the end of the championship, a Cremona a public ceremony will be organised.

Lanna: «A brother was missing»

Marco Lanna, his teammate at the time of the Scudetto, recalls Vialli with whom he has maintained a very strong bond over the years and who later became a precious point of reference in the last period, when the former defender was appointed president of Sampdoria . “A brother was missing. I asked him for advice when they offered me the presidency of Sampdoria, in the last year he has always given me important help when I’ve needed it: we’ve always discussed the Blucerchiato world and he often called me to get information on how it was going.” . The president of Sampdoria would like to remember Vialli with a tournament: «It would be wonderful to make an appointment with Chelsea, Cremonese, Juve and Sampdoria for a trophy in his memory by donating the proceeds to charity. It is an idea that I would very much like to transform into reality together with other initiatives

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Vialli, Cremona salutes its symbol

Vialli was (and will remain), in fact, one of the symbols of Cremona. Like violins. Like nougat. Like Mina. And like Stradivarius. Stradivialli, indeed. And the city of him, on the day of a farewell long awaited yet always pushed away with the strength of those who know they can only cling to hope, immediately paid him the heartfelt homage that is reserved for an icon. International, yes; but Cremona, first of all. And it was not by chance in the sign of a real closeness, almost as a friend to a friend, the first memory of the mayor, Gianluca Galimberti. «I have before my eyes not long ago sitting not far from the stageto cheer his and ours Cremona. I remember the champion who made Cremona great, but above all I won’t forget the man». On that occasion, when he arrived wearing the Cremonese shirt on 5 September, the entire stadium stood up to applaud him. On the other hand, he not only grew up in Cremona and began his football career, but continued to have a family and to return.

The ceremony

«I have in mind Gianluca in Stradivar squarei, invited by fantastic people on a magical evening – recalled Galimberti – . He told his story and his illness with irony, intelligence, depth. And everyone listened to him in silence, aware of how true his words were because they were tried by suffering, lived without emphasis, with the great courage of a profound, rational simplicity, rooted in an intense love for life. Here: from that evening we returned home better, strengthened by his courage. We will find a way to remember and honor him.” From the town square everyone is talking about him, sharing memories and calling for the city to mourn, which the mayor has assured will be proclaimed on the day of the funeral. The FdI group in the Municipality proposed to name the stadium after him. «a wonderful idea, which must be shared with the city, society and the family – agreed the mayor -. We will evaluate it in the coming weeks ».

The lord

Another idea is to “enhance” the hand cast which Vialli did when he became ambassador of the city. «You will remain an indelible example of our essence – wrote the Cremonese, where Gianluca Vialli made his debut among the professionals in the 1980-81 season -. Forever one of us.” Cremona Vialli lived and his Grumello, the lord of goals, also lived. And precisely in Grumello, in the family castle, on a special evening, he remembers it Sergio Vigano, massage therapist. «We met many of his former team-mates at Sampdoria and he, who was already ill, had wanted to play the same match for a quarter of an hour that we organised. Here: I want to remember it like this. Like someone who never gave up.” Warrior. On the field and in life. Until the end.