The home of Italy's 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi was burgled during his funeral service on Saturday, local reports say.

The footballer's funeral was held in the north-eastern city of Vicenza after he died on Thursday at the age of 64.

Italy's Ansa news agency said Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, returned home from the ceremony to find their home in Tuscany had been broken into.

A watch belonging to Rossi and cash were among the items reported stolen.

The break-in has been reported to the police and an investigation is under way.

Rossi and his family lived in a farmhouse in Poggio Cennina, a resort overlooking the Val d'Ambra southeast of Florence, where Rossi ran an organic farming company.

Reports say Rossi's wife Federica Cappelletti discovered the burglary after returning home from the funeral
His death triggered an outpouring of grief in Italy, where he is widely regarded to be one the country's best attacking players of all time.

He scored 20 goals in 48 appearances for the Italian national side, including six during the team's World Cup triumph in 1982.

At club level he was a prolific scorer for Vicenza and Juventus, with whom he won two Serie A league titles.

His coffin was carried to the Santa Maria Annunciata cathedral by his teammates from the 1982 World Cup-winning side, including Marco Tardelli, Giancarlo Antognoni, Antonio Cabrini and Fulvio Collovati.

Italy's 1982 World Cup hero dies aged 64
"I have not only lost a team mate, but also a friend and a brother," said Cabrini during the service.

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

Fans of Rossi gathered outside the cathedral to pay their respects

Before the funeral, Rossi's coffin was placed at the Stadio Romeo Menti in Vicenza, where supporters could lay flowers and pay their respects.

Meanwhile, football players wore black armbands in memory of Rossi for Saturday's fixtures in Italy.

A minute's silence was observed before kick-offs, with Rossi's photo projected on large screens with the words "Heroes never die" and "Ciao Paolo".

Source
BBC News