VICENZA — Paolo Rossi’s former teammates carried his coffin Saturday at the funeral of Italy’s 1982 World Cup hero, who died Wednesday at the age of 64.
Only 300 people were allowed into Vicenza’s cathedral due to coronavirus restrictions, but thousands paid tribute to Rossi in the preceding days, when his coffin was placed in a funeral chapel at the Stadio Menti.
Antonio Cabrini (dir.) and Alessandro Rossi (Paolo Rossi’s son, à esq.) race for the 1982 world champion MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images
Rossi made a fine comeback in football, guiding Italy to the World Cup title after being suspended for a gambling scandal in 1980. He later worked as a sportscaster.
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His former teammates from the scepter-winning national team carried the coffin to the cathedral, led by Marco Tardelli and Antonio Cabrini and accompanied by Rossi’s son, Alessandro.
Rossi’s World Cup jersey was placed on the coffin.
«I have lost not only a colleague, but a friend and a brother,» Cabrini said at the funeral. «We fought together, we won together and sometimes we lost together, always getting up after disappointment.»
«We were part of that group, our group… I miss you so much, your comforting words, quips and silly jokes.»
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Former soccer players Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini were also present, as was the resident of the Italian federation.
Rossi’s body will be cremated on Sunday.
Rossi was the top scorer at the World Cup in Spain, with six goals. He scored the opening goal in Italy’s 3-1 victory over West Germany in the final.