Rome: Paolo Rossi, who led Italy to the 1982 World Cup title and later worked as a soccer commentator in his home country, has died. He was 64.
Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, said Thursday he died in his sleep after assuring him that he "had already done so much."
State-run RAI, where Rossi worked after his playing career, said he had been diagnosed with an incurable illness.
Cappelletti had announced the death on Instagram, posting a picture of the couple with the caption "Per sempre," Italian for "Forever."
In a Facebook post, Cappelletti added: "There will never be another one like you, unique, special, after you there is absolute nothingness."
Rossi had a remarkable career comeback, leading Italy to the World Cup title after returning from a suspension following a betting scandal in 1980.
He scored six goals at the tournament in Spain, including a hat trick in a 3-2 win over Brazil and the opening goal in a 3-1 win over West Germany in the final. He was also voted FIFA player of the year in 1982.
The Italian soccer federation said it would fly flags at half-staff in a sign of mourning.
"We have lost a friend and an icon of our soccer," federation president Gabriele Gravina said.
"He took an entire country by the hand, which rejoiced in the streets, for him and with him. He is permanently linked to the Azzurri and has inspired generations of forwards with his style." Italian president Sergio Mattarella also offered his condolences for Rossi's "premature" passing.
"Remembering his courtesy and his humanity, I express condolences and closeness to his family," the Italian head of state said in a statement.
Former teammate Stefano Collovati told RAI Radio 1 that he received the news from the phone chat used by the 1982 team members, many of whom expressed devastation at Rossi's passing.
"I heard five minutes ago. I'm so sorry. It was out of the blue," former teammate Dino Zoff told the ANSA news agency. "It had been a while that we hadn't spoken, he had said something but we didn't think it was so serious."