“Ross was an inspiration for Albanians during difficult times”

Paolo Rossi, star of Italy's national team who won the World Cup in 1982, died Wednesday evening at the age of 64.

News of his death was also made by Italian television RAI Sport, which Ross was working for as a soccer expert.

Albania's football chief has sent a message of condolences to his counterpart, head of the Italian Football Federation Gabriele Grava.

I sadly learned the shocking news of Paolo Ross's separate life, an excellent former world-class football player and idol for many generations. It was a source of inspiration for many Albanians during the difficult period of communism through the emotions and joy that brought us to the 1982 <x1) World Finals, it is written in the telegram of Duke's comfort.

“Today football lost another great name, and Paolo deserves a special place in the lobby of football history. On behalf of the Albanian Football Federation, I also want to share the most sincere condolences to the Rossi family, the Italian Football Federation and the Italian football community”.

The former Juvenus player and Milan were known as one of the best attackers of all time and was mostly famous for the heroic game at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Rossi played in Serie A throughout his career, winning two titles in the league and helping Juventos win the European Cup in 1984.

He is the second winner of the World Cup to die within two weeks, after Diego Armando Maradona died of a heart attack.