Paolo Rossi has been described as an바카라 웹사이트inspiration and a hero바카라 웹사이트of Italian football following his death at the age of 64. (More Football News)
Striker Rossi played for Juventus, where he won the Serie A title twice and also the European Cup in 1985, as well as representing Milan and바카라 웹사이트Hellas Verona during his바카라 웹사이트career.
However, the former Italy international will be most fondly remembered for his exploits with바카라 웹사이트the national team, particularly during the바카라 웹사이트1982 World Cup as the바카라 웹사이트Azzurri were crowned champions.
His six-goal haul saw him finish as the leading scorer in Spain, while he also returned home with the Golden Ball after being voted as the best player at the tournament.
READ:바카라 웹사이트Dino Zoff Shocked By Loss Of Italy World Cup Hero
Following the announcement of바카라 웹사이트Rossi's death, reportedly after a battle with illness,바카라 웹사이트Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president바카라 웹사이트Gabriele Gravina praised a바카라 웹사이트player who left an바카라 웹사이트indelible mark on the country's footballing history.
"The passing of 'Pablito' is another deeply painful loss, a wound to the heart of all football fans and one which will be difficult to heal," Gravina said in a tribute posted on the바카라 웹사이트FIGC's official website.
"We've lost a friend and an icon of Italian football. In spurring the national team on to success in 1982, he had Italians celebrating in squares across the country, both for him and with him.
"He indelibly tied his name to the Azzurri and, through his style of play, inspired numerous strikers of future generations."
In 48 international appearances, Rossi scored 20 goals. His tally included a famous hat-trick against Brazil in 1982, as well as the opener as Italy triumphed 3-1 over West Germany in the final.
Rossi's feats led to him winning the바카라 웹사이트Ballon d'Or that year, having been selected by바카라 웹사이트coach Enzo Bearzot in Italy's squad despite making just three Serie A appearances for Juventus in the 1981-82 season. Rossi had been banned for his alleged role in the 'Totonero' match-fixing scandal but returned to action in time for the World Cup.
Current Juve boss Andrea Pirlo바카라 웹사이트posted a picture on바카라 웹사이트Twitter바카라 웹사이트of 'Pablito' celebrating with Italy,바카라 웹사이트along with the words: "You will always remain our hero."
Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions, produced an online tribute to their former player, in which they referenced Rossi's ability to score "all types of goals,바카라 웹사이트using his uniquely physical style to his advantage".
Juve also added a description of an "iconic" goal against Manchester United that sealed a place in the Cup Winners' Cup final in 1984, a trophy they went on to lift thanks to바카라 웹사이트victory over Porto.
