Throwback Thursday: Gigi Riva

Throwback Thursday: Gigi Riva

One of the greatest strikers in the history of Italian football, Gigi Riva or as he is well known Rombo di Tuono which means Roar of Thunder was born on November 7th 1944. The all time record scorer for Italian National team, has had a great scoring record for Cagliari thanks to his composure in front of goal, fearsome left foot and aerial ability.

He led Cagliari to their only Serie A title in 1969-70, finishing the season as top scorer, also reaching the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final with Italy, and placing 3rd that year in the 1970 Ballon d'Or. He also won the 1968 UEFA European Championship with Italy Riva started his club career in the city where he was born, he joined Leggiuno, in the province of Varese, Lombardy. But a year later he joined Cagliari and would stay there for the rest of his career.

He made his league debut for Cagliari on September 13, 1964, when the team lost 2-1 against Roma. He was Serie A top-scorer three times with Cagliari, in 1966-67, in 1968-69 and in 1969-70.

His only Serie A title came during the 1969-70 season, during which he helped the club to their first ever Serie A title by finishing the season as top scorer.

Riva was a world-class player (placing 2nd in the 1969 Ballon d'or, and 3rd in the 1970 Ballon d'or, his club loyalty was further demonstrated when he turned down a move to Serie A giants Juventus in 1973 at the age of 29 in order to remain with Cagliari.

GIGI RIVA’s International Career in numbers:

Season Team Competition Apps Subs Goals Y R

1962-63 Italy UEFA Under-18 1 1

1964-65 Italy International 1

1965-66 Italy International 1

1966-67 Italy International 1

1967-68 Italy UEFA European Championship 4 7

1967-68 Italy Under-23 1

1968-69 Italy FIFA World Cup 2 3

1968-69 Italy International 3 2

1969-70 Italy FIFA World Cup 8 7

1969-70 Italy International 2 3

1970-71 Italy International 1

1970-71 Italy UEFA European Championship 1

1971-72 Italy International 2

1971-72 Italy UEFA European Championship 4 3

1972-73 Italy FIFA World Cup 5 6

1972-73 Italy International 2 2

1973-74 Italy FIFA World Cup 3 1

1973-74 Italy International 2 1

A small video which depicts his world class technique!

Video: