Rossi rose to fame after his heroics in 1982 World Cup in Spain, where he helped Italy to their first World Cup trophy in 44 years.
He also finished the tournament as the top scorer with six goals and was also named the best player of the tournament.
During his distinguished career, Rossi played for teams like Juventus, AC Milan and Hellas Verona among others.
The footballing world continues to pay tribute to the Azzurri legend, and Collovati, who played alongside the Prato-born star during Italy’s triumph in the 1982 World Cup, has paid tribute to the former striker.
"Paolo was a friend more than a footballer,” he told Goal. “We shared almost 15 years as teammates with the Azzurri, from the youth teams to the two World Cups. Then he was also a fair opponent.
"On the pitch, he was a centre-forward who I, playing the defender, marked. He annoyed me many times with his speed and acceleration.
“Life has given him so much, a Golden Ball and a World Cup, but at the same time has also taken a lot from him.
“He stopped playing at the age of 31 and had injuries. Despite this he was always smiling and therefore loved by the public. He never made a point of being a World Champion and a Ballon d'Or winner.”
