Gigi Riva dead aged 79: Tributes pour in for Serie A icon who won Euros with Italy before becoming national team coach

LEGENDARY Italian footballer Gigi Riva has passed away at the age of 79.

The striker, who is Italy‘s all-time record scorer with 35 goals in 42 appearances, died in hospital after falling ill at his home in Sardinia.

Gigi Riva has passed away at the age of 79Getty

He spent his entire career with CagliariGetty

He was a key player in helping the Azzurri win Euro 1968, bagging the opener in the final against Yugoslavia.

He also helped Cagliari win the only Serie A title in their history in 1970.

Riva spent all but the first season of his career with Cagliari, scoring 207 goals in 374 appearances across a 13-year stint.

This makes him Cagliari’s top scorer by more than 100 goals.

In 2005, the club retired the No11 jersey in honour of Riva’s achievements.

After hanging up his boots, Riva went on to become a coach for the Italian national team in 1988.

And he remained a part of the backroom staff until 2013.

He was a member of the technical staff during Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.

And after the tournament, captain Fabio Cannavaro praised Riva for his contribution towards the country’s fourth World Cup win.

Paying tribute to Riva following his death, legendary Italian keeper Dino Zoff said: “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.”

Inter Milan also reacted to Riva’s passing, adding: “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.”

Hours before Riva’s death was confirmed, Cagliari posted: “We are with you, go Gigi .”

He goes down as an Italian legendGetty

He scored 35 goals in 42 appearances for his countryGetty

Riva was a part of the national team set-up until 2013AFP