Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli steps away from Italy role with immediate effect to focus on second battle with cancer

CHELSEA legend Gianluca Vialli has stepped down from his role with the Italian national team in order to focus on a battle with cancer.

Vialli, 58, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 before being given the all-clear in November 2018.

Getty Images – GettyGianluca Vialli during his Chelsea playing days[/caption]

GettyVialli is stepping back from his role with Italy after his cancer returned[/caption]

However, it returned in 2021, and he has now confirmed he will be stepping back from all “professional commitments.”

He said: “At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists I have decided to suspend, I hope temporarily, my present and future professional commitments.

“The goal is to use all the psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, so that I will be able as soon as possible to face new adventures and share them with all of you.”

Vialli was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff on their way to winning the European Championships in 2021.

Speaking about return of his cancer last year, Vialli struck a defiant tone and declared he was determined to stay in the Italy set up.

He said: “I will keep fighting, because I want to be here for many more years. I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come.”

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