1. An international in the 1980s, Galli appeared with Italy in two World Cups, and the 1980 UEFA European Football Championship; he was an unused member of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and served as Italy's starting goalkeeper at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Giovanni Galli began his professional career with ACF Fiorentina in 1977, where he played for nine Serie A seasons.
Giovanni Galli started in both of the club's back-to-back European Cup conquests, in 1989 and 1990, winning consecutive European Supercups in 1989 and 1990, and the Intercontinental Cup in 1989.
Giovanni Galli took part in Italy's victorious 1982 FIFA World Cup expedition, without playing a single match however, as he served as backup to Dino Zoff, alongside Bordon.
Giovanni Galli was known in particular for his strong positional sense, handling, and his efficient rather than spectacular playing style, as well as his calm personality and serious demeanour, both on and off the pitch; however, he was an athletic shot-stopper, with a good spring, who was capable of producing decisive diving saves when necessary.
Giovanni Galli excelled in Milan's zonal marking system under Sacchi, due to his speed when rushing off his line to claim crosses or anticipate opponents who had beaten the offside trap, which enabled the team to maintain a high defensive line; when his team were attacking, he was often tasked with remaining outside his box to function as a sweeper keeper.
Giovanni Galli possessed good distribution, vision, and solid ball skills, which enabled him to play the ball out from the back.
In December 2007, Giovanni Galli joined Hellas Verona FC as its director of football, leaving his position after only two months in charge.
On 1 March 2009, Giovanni Galli was announced as the centre-right mayoral candidate in the 2009 local elections in Florence.
Giovanni Galli's candidacy was supported by The People of Freedom, Lega Nord, and a number of minor local movements.
Giovanni Galli is the father of the late Niccolo Giovanni Galli, a promising young footballer who died in a road accident on 9 February 2001, aged only 17.
Giovanni Galli is married to Anna, and has two daughters, Camilla and Carolina.