VICENZA (ITALY), Dec 13: Paolo Rossi�s former team-mates served as pallbearers at the funeral of the 1982 World Cup hero, who died on Wednesday at the age of 64. Only 300 people were allowed into the cathedral in Vicenza on Saturday because of coronavirus restrictions but thousands had paid their respects to Rossi in the preceding days when his coffin was placed in a viewing room at the Stadio Menti.
The day was made even more traumatic for Rossi�s wife, Federica, as Italian media reported that she discovered their home had been burglarised while she was at the funeral. Italian national daily Gazzetta dello Sport said that she came back from the service to find the house in disorder and that valuables had been stolen although the most important items of soccer memorabilia linked to Rossi�s career had not been taken.
Rossi had a remarkable career comeback, leading Italy to the World Cup title after returning from a suspension following a betting scandal in 1980. He later worked as a soccer commentator in his home country. � AP
