Paolo Rossi: Italian Legend and 1982 World Cup Winner is Dead

- Paolo Rossi was referred to as one of the greatest footballers of all-time

- He was part of the Italian team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1982

- The former Juventus and AC Milan player has died at the age of 64

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One of the greatest footballers of all-time Paolo Rossi has died at the age of 64 as tributes continue to pour for the legendary player.

He was part of the Italian national football team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1982, a year he also bagged the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

A former AC Milan and Juventus striker is referred to, by many, as one of the greatest footballers of all-time and arguably the best player to ever come out of Italy.

Paolo Rossi had a staggering 134 club career goals 338 matches during his famous career and he even scored the opening goal of the 1982 World Cup final, helping his side to beat Germany 3-1.

His best ever performance in football occured earlier in the tournament when his hat-trick sunk Brazil to send the South Americans out of that tournament.

During his life time, he won the Serie A twice and also helped Juventus to winning the European Cup in 1984.

After retirement, Rossi took up a career in punditry, working for Italian outlet RAI Sport.

It was RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale who announced the news of Rossi's passing in the early hours of Thursday morning, December 10 as football fans around the world are stunned.

He wrote on Twitter:

"A very sad news: Paolo Rossi left us.

"Unforgettable Pablito, who made us all fall in love in that summer of '82 and who has been a precious and competent workmate at RAI in recent years. Rip dear Paolo."

And this is coming barely two weeks that Legit.ng reported that Argentina football legend Diego was confirmed dead at his country home in Buenos Aires.

The footballicon passed away on Wednesday, November 25, about 13 days after leaving the hospital following his brain surgery.

Maradona was said to have undergone an operation earlier this month to remove a blood clot in his brain - a process that went without complications.

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