Paolo Rossi, the former Italian World Cup winner, left the world at the age of 64.
Reportedly, after a battle with illness the news of the death was confirmed by his wife Federica Cappelletti, and Rai Sport, where he worked,
On Instagram, Cappelletti wrote “Forever” alongside a picture of the pair together.
In 48 appearances for Italy, Rossi scored 20 goals, including winning the Golden Boot as the nation won the 1982 World Cup.
Rossi was also named the winner of the Ballon d’Or that year after playing at club level for Juventus.
Rossi began his professional career at Juve before spells at Como, Vicenza and Perugia, prior to his return to Turin in 1981.
He was Serie A’s top goalscorer in 1977-78 with Vicenza, when he netted 24 times.
Amongst numerous other trophies, he won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and a European Cup in four seasons with Juve.
Rossi was the leading goal scorer during the 1982-83 European Cup, in which Juve fell to Hamburg in the final, before helping them beat Liverpool in 1985 final.
To finish his club career, he had spells at Milan and Hellas Verona.
During the 1982 World Cup, Rossi starred in a hat-trick against Brazil to send Italy into a semi-final against Poland in which he netted a brace.
He also opened the scoring as Italy ran out 3-1 winners, in the final against West Germany.
With nine, Rossi, Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri scored the most World Cup goals for Italy.
