The genuine, intimate hug on the pitch at Wembley with his lifelong friend, Roberto Mancini, after winning the Euros is one the most powerful images ever seen in over 110 years of National team history. And deep in the hearts of every Azzurri supporter, his teachings both on and off the pitch will remain forever. Gianluca Vialli passed away today at the age of 58 after a long battle with illness. Remembering him today is more than difficult without being too rhetorical, but that's the way he was, as pronounced by FIGC President Garbiele Gravina "a splendid person who leaves a void that cannot be filled".

In its own special way, the Museo del Calcio in Coverciano wanted to honour one of Italy's greatest-ever football players by displaying his number nine shirt, from 1991, at the beginning of the exhibition. It is the shirt that Vialli donated when he entered Italian football's Hall of Fame.

In November 2019, just over three years ago before holding a training session with the Azzurri, Vialli and Mancini took the chance to come to the museum to have a look at the historic memorabilia on show. The then Head of Delegation went around the rooms with the enthusiasm of a child - in its purest form - observing and admiring the shirts and trophies. His attachment to the National side and his mantra of enjoying every moment in life remains a lesson for everyone to safeguard deep within their souls.