In honour of the late former striker Gianluca Vialli, Italian champions Italy wish to "perform well" against England in their first Euro 2024 qualifying match, according to head coach Roberto Mancini.
At Sampdoria throughout their playing days in the 1980s and 1990s, Vialli was Mancini's closest friend and longtime strike partner. He passed away in January at 58 after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer.
Although diagnosed in 2017, the former Juventus, Chelsea, and Italy striker assisted Mancini and was a crucial part of Italy's 2021 European Championship-winning campaign.
"I have already spoken with the guys about it. It will be crucial for us to keep him in mind. It feels like he is right here with us," Mancini told the press.
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He had his position, and we are finding it difficult. We must work to succeed for him as well," he continued.
The Italian national team's match against England on Thursday will be their first since Vialli passed away, and the players will wear a unique shirt with a tribute to the football legend printed on it.
According to the Italian federation, a "play of light" is also scheduled to honour Vialli before the game at the Diego Maradona stadium in Naples.
Italy will play Malta on Sunday after defeating England in the 2020 European Championship final on penalties but failing to advance to the World Cup in Qatar.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missed from the spot as England and Gareth Southgate suffered a humiliating defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
When Jordan Pickford denied Andrea Belotti, there was a chance for England to win their first major trophy in 55 years and for Southgate to finally atone for missing a pivotal penalty in the Euro 96 semifinal. However, England stumbled moments later at Wembley in front of their fans.
