Always together, side by side in the happiest moments of their lives, such as when in 1991, still boys, they handed over the historic Scudetto to Sampdoria. And like when, thirty years later, at Wembley, one as coach of the national team, the other as a member of his staff, gave Italy that European championship that had been missing for half a century. But Roberto Mancini remained close to his "goal twin" Gianluca Vialli even in the most complicated moments, those of the disease that slowly took him away, until his death on 6 January.
And also yesterday, during the Marina di Villasimius Festival , the "Mancio" recalled his friend: he did so with a remote connection, on the occasion of the screening of "The beautiful season" the docufilm on "Sampdoro" directed by Marco Ponti , guest of the Festival.
«Physically he is no longer with us», Mancini said, «but he will always remain in our hearts . He was one of the best forwards I've ever seen, and a special person." The blue coach then also spent a few words on Vialli's birthday, which he would have celebrated last week: « 59 years old, my friend. Time passes, happy birthday wherever you are ».
(Unioneonline/L.Ne.)