TREVISO
A piece of the history of Venetian football goes away. Gianni Rossi died at the Lido at the age of 84, after a lifetime dedicated to football. A 42-year career of professionalism at the highest levels, from number 11 of Venice and Juve. And once retired, as coach of Venice and Treviso.
Originally from Sant’Elena, a promising striker from a very young age, Rossi made his debut with Venice in the 1955-1956 season, the year in which the neroverdi obtained first place in the Serie C championship. For seven years, Rossi defended the colors of his city totaling 124 appearances up to 1962, seasoned by 24 goals. And precisely in the ’61 -’62 season, during which Venezia found themselves playing in the top flight, Rossi’s technical skills attracted the attention of the most important clubs in Italy. From there, the great leap into Juventus (season ’62 -’63) which, however, proved to be more difficult than expected. In one year, in fact, he managed to total 5 appearances (scoring a goal). To condition the season, a family mourning and the explosion of the young Paduan striker Bruno Nicolè.
Ten years later, his debut as a coach. Rossi made himself known above all in the Marca. From ’77 to ’79 he coached Montebelluna while from ’79 to ’82 Treviso in Serie C, Il destinò brought him back to the lagoon, to play the C2 on the bench of Venice (season ’83 -’84), to return then for another three years at Montebelluna, before ending up also at the Cittadella. Rossi’s coaching career ended in ’97, after another experience on the Venezia bench. Gianni Rossi leaves his wife Annalisa, their children Simone and Andrea. The funeral will take place on Wednesday at 11 in the church of the San Michele cemetery. –
Eugenio Pendolini