Paolo Rossi’s home burgled during funeral

The Italian footballer’s funeral was held in Vicenza after he died on Thursday at the age of 64.

Italy’s former football player Antonio Cabrini (right) and the son of Paolo Rossi, Alessandro Rossi (left), carry the coffin of the late Italian football player during his funeral at the Santa Maria Annunciata Cathedral in Vicenza, northeastern Italy, on December 12, 2020. The footballer’s home was reportedly burgled while his family was away at the service. (AFP via Getty Images)

The home of Italy 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi was reportedly burgled as family and friends gathered for the footballer’s funeral on Saturday. 

Rossi died on Thursday at the age of 64 after a battle with lung cancer. 

He became a national hero after he scored six times in the 1982 World Cup tournament in Spain, including a critical goal that helped secure Italy’s victory over West Germany in the final. 

According to Italy's Ansa news agency, Rossi’s loved ones were at the footballer’s funeral service in the north-eastern city of Vicenza when their Tuscany home was broken into. 

Rossi’s wife, Federica Cappelletti,  reportedly made the discovery when she arrived home from the service.

A watch that had belonged to her late husband, as well as cash, were among the items reported stolen.

So far, no suspects have been named as police investigate the break-in. 

Rossi’s death saw many mourn across Italy, with thousands of people showing up for his funeral service. 

His coffin was carried to the  Santa Maria Annunciata cathedral by some of the teammates he played alongside during the 1982 World Cup. 

Speaking during the service, former teammate Antonio Cabrini said: “I have. not only lost a team mate, but also a friend and a brother”.

“Together we fought, we won and we sometimes lost, always picking ourselves up even in the face of disappointment,” he said. "We were part of a group, that group, our group. I didn't think he would leave so soon."

The footballer was remembered as one of the best players in the country’s history, scoring 20 goals in 48 appearances for Italy.