Gigi Riva dies aged 79 as tributes pour in for Italy legend and Euros winner

22 January 2024 , 19:09

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Luigi Riva has passed away aged 79

Italian football icon Luigi 'Gigi' Riva has died aged 79 following a short spell in hospital after falling ill at his home in Sardinia.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier on Monday afternoon that Riva had undergone a series of medical tests after being taken to hospital and was closely monitored by doctors. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and Italy now bids farewell to one of their biggest legends.

Riva spent the last 15 years of his playing career representing Cagliari, during which time he netted 208 goals for the club across 374 games. He was vital to the historic Scudetto triumph in 1969-70 and in 2005, the club retired the No. 11 shirt in honour of Riva's achievements.

Not only was he a hero for his club, but Riva also sealed his place as an Italy legend courtesy of his efforts for the national team. He represented the Azzurri at two World Cups and won the 1968 European Championship. He notched 35 goals in the process, sealing his status as his country's record-goalscorer.

Luigi 'Gigi' Riva helped Cagliari win the only Scudetto in the club's history

Riva transitioned from player to coach seamlessly, getting involved with the national team in 1988 and staying on as a member of backroom staff until 2013. He played his part in the glorious 2006 World Cup campaign, with then-captain Fabio Cannavaro praising Riva for the part he played.

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His status as an icon of the Italian game means tributes have flooded in. Fellow Italian legend Dino Zoff explained: "I'm losing a great friend, we've had a long life together. From the military to many memories in the national team. Infinite sadness, I'm deeply saddened, I can't speak."

Serie A giants Inter Milan have expressed their sadness at the news, releasing a statement that reads: "FC Internazionale Milano expresses its condolences for the passing of Gigi Riva and rallies around the family and the entire world of football in this moment of mourning."

Luigi Riva helped coach Italy's national team until 2013

Fellow Italian giants Roma have echoed a similar sentiment, adding: "AS Roma joins in the pain of the passing of Gigi Riva, a football legend. The whole Club rallies around his family."

Giancarlo De Sisti, a former national team-mate of Riva's, claimed: "This sort of Greek god who for many of us, not just for the kids of the time, was a myth. It's difficult to comment.

"I was lucky enough to play together with Gigi, to admire him up close. He was a player who gave you an advantage, a respectable boy who spoke little... many actions and few words."

Josh O'Brien