Paolo Rossi (born September 23, 1956, Santa Lucia, province of
Prato, Tuscany) is a former Italian football (soccer) player. In
1982, he led Italy to the 1982 World Cup title, scoring six
goals to win the Golden Boot.
Rossi made his debut in the 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 turing 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 World Cup. Rossi
confirmed his growth in the tournament, gaining international
fame as one of world's best strikers.
Rossi's property as footballer had been till then shared by
Vicenza and Juventus. When the two clubs were called to set the
property, Lanerossi offered the shocking sum of 2,7 billions
lire for Rossi, who therefore became Italy's most costly
sportsman ever to that date. In 1979 Vicenza was declassed to
Serie B, and he was loaned to Perugia. Here he was involved in a
famous betting scandal, and was disqualified for three years (later
reduced to two).
Rossi returned just in time for 1982 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 Italy surprisingly beat Argentina,
Rossi shattered the latter signing three memorable goals and
leading Italy to semi-finals. Here his two goals again won the
match for Italy against Poland. He also opened the series of
three goals with which Italy beat Germany in the final, to gain
win third World Cup.
Rossi's accomplishments in the Spanish World Cup gained him the
title of European Footballer of the Year in 1982.
After 1982 Rossi played with Juventus, winning one European
Winners Cup (1985), one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1984) and one
Intercontinental Cup. After his stint with Turin's club, he was
ceded to a then straggling AC Milan. Rossi's abilities, however,
were declining. After a dismaying participation to 1986 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. |
