One of the best forwards of all time, Paolo Rossi (L) was the top scorer in Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning campaign. Photo / Getty
Paolo Rossi, the star of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team and one of the best forwards of all time, has died aged 64, according to Italian media.
The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit.
"Such terribly
sad news: Paolo Rossi has left us," said RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale, who did not disclose the cause of death.
"Unforgettable Pablito, who made all of us fall in love in that summer of 1982 and who was a precious and competent work colleague in RAI over recent years."
Rossi won the Ballon d'Or in 1982 after setting the World Cup alight. He sent Brazil, one of the favourites, crashing out of the tournament with a hat-trick in their 3-2 win.
