CNN —Italian soccer great Luigi ‘Gigi’ Riva died on Monday at the age of 79, according to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Nicknamed ‘Rombo di Tuono’ (‘Roar of Thunder’) – a nod to his shooting and physical strength – Riva is Italy’s leading all-time national team goalscorer, a title he has held since 1973 after passing Giuseppe Meazza. Have a good trip, beloved Gigi.”Riva made his international debut aged 20 and was part of the side that won Italy’s first ever European Championship. He more than played his part, opening the scoring in the final against Yugoslavia, which Italy won 2-0. He joined the club at the age of 19 after making his professional debut for Serie C team Legnano-Ivrea.

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Persons: Luigi ‘ Gigi ’ Riva, Riva, ‘, Tuono, –, – Riva, Giuseppe Meazza, Gianni Infantino, Gigi, ” Riva, Italy’s, ”, Arrigo Sacchi, Legnano, Gigi Riva, Alessandro Sabattini, Marcello Lippi’s Organizations: CNN, Italian Football Federation, ‘, FIFA, Yugoslavia, Italy, West Germany, Cagliari, Serie C, Sardinian, Serie A, France Locations: Italy, Mexico, Italy's, Brazil, Sardinia, Ivrea, Cagliari