Chelsea FC’s 50 Greatest Players Of All-Time
23. Gianluca Vialli: 1996-99
Gianluca Vialli’s stay at Stamford Bridge saw the club enjoy much success and that was no coincidence. The fiery Italian joined Chelsea in 1996 and had a playing career that lasted three years. While that may not be the longest on this list, Vialli was also tasked with managing the side as well.
The Italian’s scoring record was certainly nothing to scoff at, as he hit the back of the net 40 times in just 78 competitive appearances. He helped the team to their first FA Cup triumph after nearly thirty years when they defeated Middlesbrough in 1997 final
He then stepped into the managerial role in February 1998, relieving Ruud Gullit, and successfully juggled both his duties as he led Chelsea to League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup glory.
The forward was immensely skilled, a sentiment underlined by his scoring record as he delved into his 30’s, and although his Blues career wasn’t long and storied, it was certainly short and sweet.
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