It is with great sadness that the football world has learned of the passing of Italo Galbiati, the former England assistant manager under Fabio Capello. Galbiati, who was 85 years old, passed away peacefully in England on Wednesday.
Galbiati was born in Italy in 1935 and began his career in football as a player, representing several clubs in his homeland. He then moved into coaching, taking charge of several teams in Italy before being appointed as assistant manager to Fabio Capello at AC Milan in 1991.
The pair enjoyed great success together, winning the Serie A title in 1992 and 1993, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 1994. Galbiati then followed Capello to Real Madrid in 1996, where they won the La Liga title in 1997 and 1998.
In 2008, Capello was appointed as the manager of the England national team and Galbiati was appointed as his assistant. The pair enjoyed a successful spell in charge of the Three Lions, leading them to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Galbiati was highly respected in the football world and his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches and fans alike. Former England captain David Beckham said: “Italo was a great man and a great coach. He was a huge part of Fabio Capello’s success and will be sadly missed.”
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson also paid tribute to Galbiati, saying: “Italo was a great coach and a great friend. He was a huge part of Fabio Capello’s success and will be sadly missed.”
Galbiati’s death has been met with sadness in his native Italy, with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) releasing a statement expressing their condolences. The statement read: “The FIGC is deeply saddened by the passing of Italo Galbiati, a great coach and a great friend. He will be remembered for his contribution to Italian and world football.”
Galbiati’s death marks the end of an era in English football and his legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him. He will be remembered as a great coach and a great friend, and his passing will be mourned by the football world.