Italy’s all-time prime goalscorer dies aged 79.
Italian president Sergio Mattarella has led tributes to Gigi Riva, Italy’s file goalscorer in worldwide matches, who died aged 79 on Monday.
“Many Italians, myself included, be taught of the surprising information of Gigi Riva’s dying with real sorrow” – Mattarella mentioned in a press release – “His sporting successes, his very critical character, the dignity of his behaviour in all circumstances have earned him the love of thousands and thousands of Italians even amongst those that didn’t comply with soccer.”
Italian premier Giorgia Meloni additionally paid tribute to Riva, whose file of 35 objectives for Italy stays unrivalled, hailing him as “an incredible athlete who marked the historical past of soccer and our nationwide crew”.
Riva, who died after struggling a coronary heart assault on Sunday, gained fame as a centre-forward with Cagliari the place his spectacular scoring file earned him the nickname Rombo di Tuono (Roar of Thunder).
Per sempre GIGI RIVA pic.twitter.com/ws8CePoGJ4
— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) January 22, 2024
Riva spent most of his profession enjoying for the Sardinian membership whose first and solely Serie A title he helped to win in 1970.
Nonetheless it was at worldwide stage that he grew to become most well-known, scoring a file 35 objectives for the Azzurri in simply 42 official appearances between 1965 and 1974.
He helped to safe the Euro 1968 title for Italy, scoring within the closing as they beat Yugoslavia 2-0.
Riva additionally scored thrice within the 1970 World Cup, serving to Italy make it to the ultimate through which they have been crushed 4-1 by Brazil.
“Italian soccer is in mourning as a result of a real nationwide monument has left us right this moment,” mentioned Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC).
There might be a minute’s silence in honour of Riva earlier than soccer matches throughout Italy within the coming days, the FIGC mentioned.
Photograph RAI
