1964: Born Cremona, Italy, July 9th. The son of a millionaire, he is brought up in a castle.

1980: Signs for local club Cremonese, but his first full season is unspectacular with just five goals in 31 appearances.

1984: After scoring 10 goals for Cremonese, is signed by Sampdoria. Makes it into double figures for six out of eight seasons at the Genoa-based side.

1985: Wins Italian Cup with Sampdoria. Repeats feat in 1988 and 1989.

1986: Included in Italy squad for Mexico World Cup finals.

1990: Sampdoria win European Cup Winners' Cup. Vialli is included in Italy's World Cup squad.

1991: Sampdoria win Italian championship. Vialli is Serie A's top scorer with 16 goals.

1992: Juventus pay a world record £12.5 million to bring him to Turin.

1993: Wins UEFA Cup with Juventus, beating Borussia Dortmund in final.

1994: Left out of Italy's 1994 World Cup squad by Arrigo Sacchi.

1995: Juventus win League and Cup double with 16 goals from Vialli. Scores spectacular goal in second leg of UEFA Cup final against Parma, but Juventus lose.

1996: Skippers Juventus to victory in the 1996 European Cup final in his last game for the club. Joins Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer for £1 million a year.

1997: Ends season with nine League goals. Wins FA Cup winners' medal after coming on as a late substitute in final. In first game of new season scores four goals against Barnsley.

1998: Installed as Chelsea's new player-manager.

International record: 59 Italy caps, 16 goals; 20 Italy Under-21 caps, 11 goals; Italy youth international.