Italy’s all-time leading scorer dies at age 79.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has paid tribute to Italy’s top international scorer, Gigi Riva, who died on Monday at the age of 79.
Mattarella said in a statement: “Many Italians, including myself, have learned with deep sadness the unexpected news of the passing of Gigi Riva. His generous personality and the dignity of his actions under all circumstances endear him.” This was the case for millions of Italians, even those who didn’t know anything about soccer. ”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute to Riva, whose record of 35 goals for the Italian national team remains unparalleled, calling him “a great athlete who wrote his name in the history of football and the national team.”
Riva, who died of a heart attack on Sunday, rose to fame as a centre-forward with Cagliari, earning his nickname due to his impressive goalscoring record. Rombo di Tuono (Roar of thunder).
Persemper GIGI RIVA pic.twitter.com/ws8CePoGJ4
— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) January 22, 2024
Riva spent most of his career playing for the Sardinian club, helping them win their first and only Serie A title in 1970.
However, it was at international level that he became most famous, scoring 35 goals for the Azzurri in just 42 competitive appearances between 1965 and 1974.
He helped Italy win the Euro 1968 title, defeating Yugoslavia 2-0 in the final.
Riva also scored three goals at the 1970 World Cup, helping Italy reach the final where they lost 4-1 to Brazil.
“Italian football is saddened because today a true national monument leaves us,” said Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
A minute’s silence will be held in Riva’s honor before soccer matches across Italy in the coming days, the FIGC said.
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