Paolo Rossi was an Italian professional footballer who played as a forward. He led Italy to the 1982 FIFA World Cup title, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot as top goalscorer, and the Golden Ball for the player of the tournament. Rossi is one of only three players, and the only European, to have won all three awards at a World Cup, along with Garrincha in 1962 and Mario Kempes in 1978. Rossi was also awarded the 1982 Ballon d'Or as the European Footballer of the Year for his performances. Along with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri, he is Italy's top scorer in World Cup history, with nine goals overall.
Rossi with Italy at the 1982 FIFA World Cup
A young Paolo Rossi with Como in 1975
Paolo Rossi kisses the 1982 FIFA World Cup trophy.
Rossi in 2007
Italy national football team
The Italy national football team has represented Italy in men's international football since its first match in 1910. The national team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the governing body for football in Italy, which is a co-founder and member of UEFA. Italy's home matches are played at various stadiums throughout Italy, and its primary training ground and technical headquarters, Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano, is located in Florence. Italy are the reigning European champions, having won UEFA Euro 2020.
The squad celebrating its first FIFA World Cup in 1934
The Italy national team in 1965
Captain Giacinto Facchetti celebrates Italy's UEFA Euro 1968 victory.
Italy's starting line-up, before the match against Argentina in a group stage game at the 1982 FIFA World Cup