Paolo Rossi (born September 23, 1956, Santa Lucia, province of Prato, Tuscany) is a former Italian football (soccer) player. In 1982, he led Italy to the 1982 World Cup title, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot. Rossi made his debut in the professional Italian soccer with Como, to which Juventus had sent him to gain experience after three operations to his knees. His career come to a turing point when Vicenza, then Lanerossi Vicenza, engaged him: in the 1976-'77 season Rossi's qualities of implacable striker led his team to the promotion to Serie A, Italy's soccer first division. In the following season Rossi realized 24 goals, and was selected by Italian national football team's manager Enzo Bearzot for the 1978 World Cup. Rossi confirmed his growth in the tournament, gaining international fame as one of world's best strikers.
Rossi's property as footballer had been till then shared by Vicenza and Juventus. When the two clubs were called to set the property, Lanerossi offered the shocking sum of 2,7 billions lire for Rossi, who therefore became Italy's most costly sportsman ever to that date. In 1979 Vicenza was declassed to Serie B, and he was loaned to Perugia. Here he was involved in a famous betting scandal, and was disqualified for three years (later reduced to two).
Rossi returned just in time for 1982 World Cup, but Italian journalists and tifosi lamented he was in very poor shape. This view seemed to be confirmed by Italy's first, appalling three matches, in which he was allegedly described as a ghost wandering over the field aimlessly. Bearzot, however, staunchly confirmed Rossi for the decisive round robin, in which his team was to face Argentina, the last World Champion, and Brazil, then considered the No. 1 favorite for the final title. After Italy surprisingly beat Argentina, Rossi shattered the latter signing three memorable goals and leading Italy to semi-finals. Here his two goals again won the match for Italy against Poland. He also opened the series of three goals with which Italy beat Germany in the final, to gain win third World Cup. Rossi's accomplishments in the Spanish World Cup gained him the title of European Footballer of the Year in 1982. After 1982 Rossi played with Juventus, winning one European Winners Cup (1985), one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1984) and one Intercontinental Cup. After his stint with Turin's club, he was ceded to a then straggling AC Milan. Rossi's abilities, however, were declining. After a dismaying participation to 1986 World Cup, he ended his career at Verona in 1987. He is currently a construction entrepreneur, together with his former team mate Giancarlo Salvi.
Rossi scored a total of 20 goals in 48 caps for Italy. Rossi was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.
Source: netglimse.com
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