Saudi Arabia coach Roberto Mancini has paid tribute to his former assistant coach and teammate Gianluca Vialli.

Mancini spoke to Che Tempo che Fa about his great friend.

"We lived wonderful years together, we were young, we had a lot of fun," he recalled. "I always feel him next to me. Fraternal friendship goes beyond everything. We were very close.

"Vialli was very important for the victory of the European Championships, Luca had a very strong charisma. One day he entered the field galloping as if he were on horseback, it was very funny. We won that game and we continued to do so for a while.

"The (Sampdoria) championship team? We were friends and we remain so, even if we see each other little.

"Farewell to the Italian national team? When these things happen it's sad, sometimes a coach is sent away, other times he resigns. I was very happy as the manager of Italy, I would have stayed for another 10 years. But I also feel good in Saudi Arabia, even if the work is quite hard. Arabic? I only learned a few words."