Chelsea icon Gianluca Vialli grew up living in 60-room castle – then used it for holidays
Chelsea hero Gianluca Vialli grew up in a stunning 60-room castle that he later used as an occasional holiday home – thanks to his father being a self-made millionaire.
Living with his parents and four siblings, the Viallis had plenty of room to move around despite being a large family with the Castello di Belgioioso their humble abode.
Vialli, who sadly passed away at the age of just 58 this week following a second battle with pancreatic cancer, went on to become a world famous football star and Chelsea icon.
READ MORE: Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli dies aged 58 sending football fans into mourning
The 15th century castle became the family home thanks to his father’s wealth, with Vialli going on to have two daughters after marrying Cathryn White-Cooper in 2003.
Castello di Belgioioso is described as a culturally rich in historical and artistic value with a grand staircase, atrium and extended grounds.
Vialli lived in London despite his coaching career there coming to an end long before, with his family flying over to visit him in hospital back in December.
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Those visitors included his 87-year-old mother as well as his brother, whom he grew up with the the huge castle before he began his football career.
Vialli, who made 59 appearance for the Italy national side during a playing career in which he had spells for Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and finally in west London.
Having quickly adapted to life in London, the prolific striker helped the club to FA Cup glory in 1996/97 before becoming player-manager of the Stamford Bridge outfit – scoring a total of 40 goals across 88 games.
He led the team to League Cup glory the following season as well as the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and finally the FA Charity Shield in 2000.
Having left Chelsea he spent time with Watford before moving into punditry, joining the Italy national side under Robert Mancini almost 20 years later.
In that role he helped Italy to Euro 2020 glory at Wembley with a win over England on penalties, holding the trophy aloft on the pitch in his role as delegation chief.
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Vialli stepped down from his role after revealing that his pancreatic cancer had returned in December of 2021, with his passing announced over a year later on January 6.
Following news of his illness, Chelsea fans revealed a classy tribute during their recent clash against Manchester United, with another tribute to ahead of their next home fixture against Crystal Palace.
Tributes from the football community have been heartfelt following the news of Vialli’s passing, with his impact on European football felt across the continent.
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