#Brazinga2014 Cup Legend: Paolo Rossi

Paolo Rossi
Date of Birth: September 23, 1956
Position: Striker
Team: Italy
Appearances: 48
Goals: 20

In 1980, Paulo Rossi's football career was in shambles. The striker was suspended for three years due to an alleged fixing scandal. With the ban reduced to two years, Rossi was included in the Azzurri squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain. In the group matches against Peru, Poland and Cameroon, Rossi failed to impress. The drought continued till the fourth match, where they beat Argentina 2-1. With coach Enzo Bearzot giving him his last chance to impress against Brazil, Rossi scored a remarkable hat-trick in his side's 3-2 win. He took his new-found form into the semifinal against Poland, scoring a brace in his side's 2-0 win. He went on to score the first goal in Italy's 3-1 win over West Germany in the final. With six goals in the tournament, Rossi won the Golden Boot.