A great physiognomy, a great friend, a charming man, Paolo Rossi at the age of just 64 passed away suddenly and quietly. Silently speaking, she had also appeared in the 1982 World Cup, in Spain, where, taking the Italian national team «almost alone» by hand, he led it to winning the biggest trophy at the national level.
Something that the great Diego Maradona did 4 years later in the stadiums of Mexico, leading the national team of Argentina to the conquest of the World Cup, leaving the then West Germans in the cold of the bath.
Until then (in 1982) Italy waited 44 years to celebrate such a great success. And that’s where Paolo Rossi spoke. Paolo, who was born on September 23, 1956 in Prato, Florence, began his career at Juventus (1973-75). But in the «old lady» he could not develop his original talent, as he was used in (wrong position) that of the right extreme striker.
In fact, in combination with some vulnerabilities in his knees, he could not adapt. So he was loaned to Como (1975-76). Then for three years he went to Vincenzo, with which he won promotion to Serie A in 1977, and the following year became the top scorer in the Italian league. During this time, Paolo also played for the Italian national team and in fact at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, he scored three goals, showing that he started to move forward for good.
But in 1980 his career went through «solid stones». He was sentenced to 3 years in prison for participating in a betting scandal, something he never admitted. I had realized that Paolo would never do such a thing … Some people played on his back and made money from it.
His sentence was reduced to two years and in 1982 he returned to the Squadra Azzurra calls, as he was to be the footballer who would lead her to the World Cup that year. In the same year, Paolo Rossi won the highest award at the individual level, the «Golden Ball» as the top football player in Europe.
In 1981, Juventus took him back. Then he married his girlfriend Simonetta Rosato with whom they had Alessandro. Paolo showed that he finds his good self and until 1985, when he played for Juventus, he won two Italian championships with her (1982, 1984), and the Champions Cup in the 1984-85 season. In 1979-80 played in Peruggia.
He then played for one season in Milan and one in Hellas Verona, before retiring in 1987 at the age of 31, as he suffered from knee problems. With Italy he scored 20 goals in 48 appearances and took part with his national team in three World Cups (1978, 1982, 1986).
On Wednesday night (9/12/2020) the hero of «Squadra Azzurra», the center forward who wrote his own special story, left the worldly, after fighting the (incurable) disease that afflicted him. The news of his death was given by his (second) wife, Federica Capelleti, with whom he had two daughters, Santa Elena and Vitoria.
«Forever,» Capelletti wrote, posting a photo of herself with Paolo on social media.
Global emotion
The world of football in Italy, Europe, the whole world could not believe it. In less than 10 days, 4 old great football players will pass away. It was preceded by Diego Maradona, Papa Diop, and Alejandro Sabella.
«I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of Paolo Rossi, the unforgettable protagonist, the world football champion in 1982 in Italy. «Remembering his kindness and humanity, I express my condolences and my closeness to his family,» said the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Matarella.
«Six months ago I lost a brother, today I mourn another. «I do not want to say more, this is not the time to talk,» said Antonio Cabrini, Rossi’s teammate for many years at Juventus and the Italian national team.
«I found out a while ago, I’m very sorry. «I do not know what to say, it was a thunderbolt in the air,» said Dino Zoff. «We always had a great relationship with Paolo, he was very nice. We haven’t had communication for a while now, we were told he had something, but I didn’t think it was that serious «.
The Prime Minister of Italy
«In the summer of 1982, his own goals gave a dream to whole generations. He was the symbol of a national team and an united and resilient Italy, capable of defeating opponents of enormous diameter. Goodbye to Paolo Rossi, the unforgettable champion. Italy will remember you with love,» Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte wrote on twitter.
Meanwhile, Roberto Baggio, who was highly esteemed and had fond memories of Paolo, wrote a letter, which was published in the Gazzetta dello Sport, on the occasion of Paolo Rossi’s death:
«It simply came to our notice then. A wonderful pillar of Italian football said goodbye to us. Paolo, Pablito, Paolo Rossi, as he always had to be called. The sweet memories when I was 10 years old are back. Today, thanks to Pablito , I flip through this album and the cold and hard bike helmet is felt again. With my beloved father Fiorido, who died a few months ago, we traveled almost 12 kilometers, both of us by bicycle, to reach Vicenza starting from Caldonio. To go to the Menti Stadium to see the wonderful Paolo Rossi.
These were the years in which I adore my dreams. I thought that one day I would play at this stage as well. By imitating Paolo Rossi, I could achieve what he did. To win a world championship in the final against Brazil. As Paolo Rossi did against Germany. To win the «Golden Ball». Like Paolo Rossi. Victory in a world that increasingly needs the smile of Paolo Rossi. A wonderful trip to China recently made us meet again.
We talked a lot about what we had experienced and how much should be done for a better future. Especially in football. Paolo gave a dream to millions of Italians, which I did not achieve. Understanding the mystery of life and explaining it to things that happen to us is never easy. Like the gap that Paolo leaves in the heart of his wife and his three children, to which my thoughts go. Hi Paolo, who knows if you will wear your shoes when you are in paradise. I hope you have your smile too. We will remember it for a long time. Have a good trip Paolo, in the eternal sky of serene light. «>
Have a good trip friend Paolo, we will remember you forever…
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