Paolo Rossi

Paolo Rossi (born September 23, 1956) is an Italian former football (soccer) player. In 1982, he led Italy to the 1982 FIFA World Cup title, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. Rossi is currently the only player to have won all three honours at a single tournament.

Career

Early years

Rossi was born at Santa Lucia, in the province of Prato (Tuscany).

He made his debut in professional Italian soccer with Como, to which Juventus had sent him to gain experience after three operations to his knees.

His career come to a turning point when Vicenza, then Lanerossi Vicenza, engaged him: in the 1976-'77 season Rossi's qualities of implacable striker led his team to the promotion to Serie A, Italy's soccer first division. In the following season Rossi realized 24 goals, and was selected by Italian national football team's manager Enzo Bearzot for the 1978 FIFA World Cup.Rossi confirmed his growth in the tournament, gaining international fame as one of world's best strikers.

Rossi up to this point had been jointly owned by Vicenza and Juventus. When the two clubs were called to settle the property, Lanerossi offered the shocking sum of 2.612 millions lire for Rossi, who became Italy's most costly sportsman ever to that date. In 1979 Vicenza was relegated to Serie B, and he was loaned to Perugia.

Scandal

Whilst at Perugia he was involved in a famous betting scandal (Totonero), and as a result of this Rossi was disqualified for three years though this was later reduced to a two year ban.

1982 World Cup

Rossi returned just in time for 1982 FIFA World Cup, but Italian journalists and tifosi lamented he was in very poor shape. This view seemed to be confirmed by Italy's first, appalling three matches, in which he was allegedly described as a ghost wandering over the field aimlessly.

Bearzot, however, stauncely confirmed Rossi for the decisive round robin, in which his team was to face Argentina, the last World Champion, and Brazil, then considered the No. 1 favourite for the final title. After defeating Argentina 2-1, Rossi scored three memorable goals to shock Brazil 3-2 to qualify for the semi finals against Poland. Here his two goals again won the match for Italy against Poland. He also scored the first of the three goals with which Italy beat Germany in the final, giving his team their third World Cup.

Italian fans hung banners proclaiming him "Man of the match". Rossi's accomplishments in Spain 1982 gained him the title of European Footballer of the Year in 1982.

Late years

After 1982 Rossi played with Juventus, winning one European Winners Cup (1985) and one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1984). After his stint with Turin's club, he was ceded to a then struggling AC Milan. In Milan he was remembered for his twin against Internazionale F.C. in a derby; Rossi's abilities, however, were declining. After a disappointing performance in 1986 FIFA World Cup, he ended his career at Verona in 1987. He is currently a construction entrepreneur, together with his former team mate Giancarlo Salvi.

Rossi scored a total of 20 goals in 48 caps for Italy.

Rossi was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

External links

*All time great football player