The former player and manager has passed away.
After saying in April 2020 that he had been given the all-clear, he was re-diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2021.
He took a break from his role with Italy's national team to focus on his health.
"Gianluca was a splendid person and he leaves a void that cannot be filled," said Gabriele Gravina.
He was supposed to perform another miracle until the end. I am reassured by the fact that what he did for Italian football will always be remembered.
In 1985 he made his debut for Italy and would go on to play 59 times for the country.
After helping Sampdoria reach the 1992 European Cup final, he left for a world record fee of $12m. In four seasons with the Bianconeri, he won the European Championship, the Uefa Cup and the Italian titles.
He became the player-manager of the club in 1998.
The Blues won the League Cup, Uefa Cup Winners' Cup and Uefa Super Cup under the guidance of the Italian, who was the first Italian to manage a premier league team.
He was sacked early in the following season after a poor start, despite leading his team to FA Cup and Charity Shield victories.
During the 2001-02 season, the forward was dismissed by the Hornets after they only finished 14th.
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