------by FIFAworldcup.com
Source:
07-04-2006 10:34
As well as being the most common name in Italy, Paolo Rossi is also one of the most famous Italian names in the world of sport, never failing to conjure up magical images of the summer of 1982.
That was the year of Enzo Bearzot and an unstoppable centre-forward who scored six times in his side's final three matches to take the Azzurri to FIFA World Cup™ glory. Even today, the country's youth know every intimate detail of Rossi's Spanish exploits, with tales of his role in Italy’s past glories handed down to them by their parents, many still youngsters themselves in 1982.
Today Pablito is a knowledgeable and respected television commentator, but there are still no end of people who stop him for an autograph, an interview or simply to have their photo taken with him. FIFAworldcup.com joined the queue and spoke to the legendary No.20 about matters past and present - 1982's triumph over West Germany and Tuesday's semi-final between Italy and the same opponents in Dortmund.
FIFAworldcup.com: The Germans want to hear Paolo Rossi's views on the big match.
Paolo Rossi: Why would they want to hear what I have to say? I don't think they can have very fond memories of me (smiles).
The semi-final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup pits Germany against Italy. Can you tell us about your memories of 1982 and the differences between that match and Tuesday's semi-final?
I have fantastic memories, because they are inextricably linked to Italy's triumph. We faced some great players that day, such as (Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge, (Hans-Peter) Briegel, the two Fosters (Karl-Heinz and Bernd), (Horst) Hrubesch, (Pierre) Littbarski, Hansi Muller, etc. That was a Final of course, whereas this game is perhaps more similar to the 1970 semi-final. The other difference is that we were overwhelming favourites in Madrid, having made it to the Bernabeu after beating Argentina, Brazil and Poland. We felt unstoppable and showed it on the pitch by dominating excellent opposition. Germany will perhaps go into Tuesday's match as slight favourites because they're playing at home, but otherwise the two sides look even.
Italy went through the 1982 FIFA World Cup with an unchanged side. Bearzot decided on his first-choice team and, injuries and suspensions apart, stuck with it throughout, which showed that he knew exactly what he was doing. The Germany of today are similar, with Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski the same as the (Francesco) Graziani-Rossi pairing of 1982.
Lippi has not stuck to one formation, but has chopped and changed his team depending on the opposition. However, the modern game requires certain choices to be made and the Italian coach has done an excellent job. He has rotated his squad, which has kept his players fresh. Germany will be feeling the extra half-hour they played against Argentina, whereas Italy's results have always come within the 90 minutes.
Who did you support when Friday's Germany-Argentina game went to penalties? Would it have been better for Italy to be up against Argentina?
They are both strong sides. It makes no difference who Italy face. If you want to win the World Cup, you have to beat the best.
What do you think of Brazil's elimination?
Brazil were much stronger in 1982. They weren't much of a team this time around, more a collection of talented individuals who didn't gel.
Who do you think deserves the Gillette Best Young Player Award, Podolski or Cristiano Ronaldo?
It's difficult to say, they're both very good but very different. I'll go for Podolski, who strikes me as more of a complete player, although Ronaldo is more exciting to watch.
What does the adidas Golden Shoe winner of 1982 have to say about Miroslav Klose? Does he pose the biggest threat for Italy, and do you see something of yourself in him?
He's an excellent striker and very crafty. He always pops up at the right moment. The Azzurri defence will have to be on their toes. Is he anything like me? Perhaps a little, although he has different skills. He is much better in the air. He does have my eye for goal, however.
You weren't so bad in the air yourself. You scored headers against Brazil, Poland and Germany, half of your total goal haul.
I only scored poacher's goals with my head, I didn't have to jump or move much. Klose, on the other hand, is great at getting on the end of crosses and has a great leap.
As the winner of the adidas Golden Ball in 1982, who do you think is the player of the tournament so far?
I'd love to say Fabio Cannavaro or Gianluigi Buffon for what they have done for Italy, but I think that so far it would have to be Zinedine Zidane, both for the way he has played and the extraordinary career that will end on Saturday, or more likely Sunday, on the finest stage there is. You can't say he doesn't deserve it.
Editor:Ge
