Azzurri World Cup coaching legend Bearzot dies

ITALY’S 1982 World Cup-winning coach, Enzo Bearzot, died in Milan yesterday.

The 83-year-old — who was appointed in 1975 and led the team at the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups — had been seriously ill for several years, Italian media reported.

At the 1982 World Cup in Spain, Italy recovered from a slow start to beat Argentina and Brazil before triumphing 3-1 over West Germany in the final.

“Enzo Bearzot was one of the greatest figures in 20th century Italy,” said former Italy striker Paolo Rossi.

“He was like a father to me. Without him I would not have done what I did. He had incredible honesty and was a great coach. I owe everything to him.’’

Dino Zoff added: “I am deeply hurt by the loss of a great and honest man. I’ll remember him for the rest of my life.’’

Bruno Conti admitted he felt like a son to Bearzot: “For me he was like a father. Apart from being a great coach, I want to remember the great man he was. He was stupendous and, apart from winning the World Cup, he used to teach important things on life. He knew how to create a winning group.”

Marcello Lippi, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 said: “This is news which gives me lots of pain and sadness.

“When I was guiding Italy, Bearzot was always close to my Nazionale. We used to see and hear each other regularly. He was also my coach when I was picked for the under-23s.

“He always used to be close to me and give me affection. I am proud to be alongside Bearzot in Calcio history.”

Bearzot, a former Inter Milan defender, led Italy for 104 matches. He also played for Catania and Torino, and was capped once by Italy in a 2-0 defeat in Hungary in 1955.

Bearzot led Italy to fourth at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina before the 1982 triumph ended a 44-year wait for a third global title. His death came 42 years to the day after the death of Vittorio Pozzo, who coached Italy to 1934 and 1938 World Cup wins.