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VICENZA, Italy (Reuters) – 1000’s of mourners gathered within the Italian metropolis of Vicenza on Saturday for the funeral of former Italy ahead Paolo Rossi, whose coffin was carried to the cathedral by his staff mates from the 1982 World Cup-winning facet.
Marco Tardelli, Antonio Cabrini, Giancarlo Antognoni, Alessandro Altobelli, Franco Causio, Fulvio Collovati and Giuseppe Bergomi had been among the many pallbearers. The occasion was proven stay by state broadcaster Rai.
Rossi, who died on Thursday on the age of 64 after an sickness, returned from a two-year ban from soccer to attain six targets, together with a hat-trick in an epic 3-2 win over Brazil, as he led Italy to their third world title.
“I’ve not solely misplaced a staff mate, but in addition a buddy and a brother,” mentioned Cabrini, who offered the cross for Rossi to attain the opening objective towards Brazil.
“Collectively we fought, we received and we generally misplaced, all the time choosing ourselves up even within the face of disappointment. We had been a part of a gaggle, that group, our group. I did not suppose he would depart so quickly.”
Earlier than the funeral, Rossi’s coffin was positioned on the Stadio Romeo Menti in Vicenza the place supporters may lay flowers and pay their respects.
Rossi was topscorer in Serie B as he led Vicenza to promotion in 1976-77 and was additionally the main scorer in Serie A the next season.
“Over the previous few days we’ve got obtained unbelievable, transferring expressions of affection. I hope that Paolo has seen all this affection,” mentioned Rossi’s spouse Federica Cappelletti.
“Paolo belonged to the folks, to everybody, and it’s proper that he must be remembered for his greatness.”
(Reporting by Brian Homewood, enhancing by Ed Osmond)
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