Paolo Rossi’s story at the 1982 Spain World Cup remains one of the most remarkable in tournament history. Having just returned from a two-year ban for a betting scandal, Rossi was selected by coach Enzo Bearzot despite showing poor form in the opening matches.
The Italian striker failed to score in the first group stage and looked a shadow of his former self. Critics demanded his dropping, but Bearzot stubbornly kept faith. The decision paid off spectacularly as Rossi exploded into life in the second group stage, scoring a hat-trick against Brazil in one of the greatest individual performances in World Cup history.
Rossi went on to score twice more in the semi-final against Poland and opened the scoring in the final against West Germany. Italy won 3-1, and Rossi claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, completing one of sport’s most extraordinary redemption stories.
