Xtra Time Web Desk: Italian football legend and 1982 World Cup star Paolo Rossi passed away aged 64, confirmed Italian media. Rossi was arguably one of the best forwards the game has witnessed. His heroics in the 1982 World Cup in Spain helped the Italians lift the title. He went on to claim the Golden Boot and Golden Ball award.
The former Juventus and AC Milan striker passed away on the wee hours of Thursday according to Italian TV channel RAI Sport for whom Rossi had been working for as a pundit recently.
Rossi won two Serie A titles, one European Cup and one Coppa Italia during four years at Juve but it is his time for the national team which is most fondly remembered, as his six goals led Italy to victory in Spain 38 years ago.
He represented the Italian national team from 1977-1986.
His hat-trick in a famous 3-2 win against Brazil in the quarter final is folklore. He also scored both goals in the 2-0 semi-final victory against Poland and scored the opening goal in the 3-1 final triumph against West Germany in Madrid.
At club level, as well as Juve and Milan, Rossi played for Como, Vicenza, Perugia, Milan and Hellas Verona until his retirement in 1987. Having scored 134 goals in 338 club matches, he is widely considered as one of the best forwards of his time.
The passing away of Paolo Rossi will bring an end to an era.