Not just Cagliari. Gigi Riva also left his mark on the Italian national football team. Even today he is the greatest Italian scorer of all time (35 goals in 42 games, numbers like Haaland, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, so to speak).

As a footballer he was the protagonist of the first European Championship won by the Azzurri in 1968 , and even after hanging up his boots he dedicated himself to the Azzurri shirt. He was team manager of the national team for a long time, with whom he also shared the triumph in the 2006 World Cup .

And many former champions and former Azzurri coaches cannot hold back their tears when thinking about him.

Starting from Marcello Lippi , coach of the last world triumph: « The kids were fascinated by this person, by a character who, moreover, had incredible simplicity and humility . He was a point of reference for everyone for his past and how he behaved in that period."

Arrigo Sacchi , on Tg1: «I worked with him for five years. He left a very vivid memory, there was a certain respect from everyone, his presence was the presence of a great champion. Yes, I'm still moved ."

«Hi Rombo. Rip», the few words of Francesco Totti accompanying a photo posted on social media that portrays him with the World Cup won in Berlin, under the eyes of Riva.

Gianluigi Buffon on Tg2 spoke about his relationship with the island: «Everything he gave to Cagliari and Sardinia he received, a particular and special personality like his was perfectly suited to the characteristics of the Sardinians , it was just an initial mistake not to be born there ." A national team with him in goal and Riva in attack? "We would have had a lot of fun, and we would have even smoked a few cigarettes together."

The open letter written to Ansa by Roberto Baggio, who rested his tearful face on Riva's shoulder after the missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, is touching. «Dear Gigi, friend of many battles and as many wounds. Life has united us on its journey, experienced by us with so much love and infinite passion for the most beautiful game in the world. You were unique and precious example of great humility. You were for me a beautiful example of consistency and attachment to the shirt, of sincere courage. You loved the land that adopted you like no other . You were able to transform your suffering and pain into positive redemption. You were a wise and precious traveling companion, you were always yourself on and off the pitch. You were something unique and unforgettable, just as I am sure that unique and unforgettable will be that "roll of thunder" that will welcome you on your celestial journey , where I hope you will soon meet those you loved and lost too soon. I love you, Roberto Baggio."

(Unioneonline/L)

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