Chelsea leads the tributes to former Italy striker Vialli following his passing

Chelsea and Watford led the tributes paid to former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58.

Vialli passed away last night surrounded by his family last night following a five-year cancer battle.

Former footballers and football clubs have taken to social media to share their condolences to Vialli.

Numerous clubs have also paid tribute to Vialli, including his former clubs Chelsea and Juventus along with many more.

The Blues tweeted: 'You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.

Serie A side Sampdoria posted: 'We will remember you as a boy and a relentless centre-forward, because heroes are all young and beautiful and you, since that summer of 1984, have been our hero.'

Watford also joined in, by saying: 'All at Watford FC are saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Gianluca Vialli. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'

Former players have also joined in by paying their respects including the likes of Ray Parlour, Frank Sinclair and Ramon Vega.

Parlour tweeted: Sad news the passing of Gianluca Vialli. Legend and Great Guy.'

Sinclair posted: 'Devastating news on the passing of Luca Vialli, one of the nicest guys I’ve met in the game, a great manager and team mate. RIEP Luca. God Bless.'

Ramon Vega said:  I have just been informed of the very sad news that Gianluca Vialli passed away this morning at around 2 am.

'R.I.P I played against him in Italy and England and was also my manager. What a player and gentleman he was. Will be missed sadly my sincerest condolences to the family.'

Paul Robinson posted: 'Terrible news regarding Vialli. I will forever be grateful to you for the guidance and trust you showed me as a young lad when playing under you.

'My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.'

Former Liverpool and Real Sociedad player John Aldridge said: 'What another sad day for football.

'Another genius passes away VIALLI what a player what a gent!This photo is from my upmost respect!

'My most prized shirt swap in my career Italy vROI,When he was nu 1 in world football. Never forgotten a true great. God bless RIP. YNWA.'

Vialli represented the Azzurri in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and gained popularity in England during a short spell at Stamford Bridge.

Vialli would serve as Chelsea's player-manager and then manager, leading them to the European Cup Winners' Cup and the League Cup in 1998, plus the FA Cup in 2000.

His death follows a battle with pancreatic cancer, with his condition worsening in the week leading up to Christmas and family rushing to his bedside in a London hospital.

Vialli was diagnosed with the illness for a second time in 2021, having been given the all-clear in April 2020 following a 17-month struggle.

He was working in Roberto Mancini's coaching staff during Italy's Euro 2020 triumph last year but had recently stepped down to concentrate on his latest cancer fight.