Legends of Italian Football in Tirana to Honor Paolo Rossi

Names such as Arrigo Sacchi, Marco Tardelli, Antonio Cabrini… along with the head of Italian Football Federation Gabriele Gravina, came together in Tirana to attend the inauguration of a unique exhibition at the National Historic Museum, featuring the extraordinary collection of Paolo Rossi (1956-2020), the iconic figure of Italian football who captured the hearts of Albanian fans in the 70s and 80s. The exhibition includes personal items, exchanged shirts with other football legends from that era, and various memorabilia.

The concept for the exhibition in Tirana was initiated by legendary football coach Arrigo Sacchi, whose merits were recognized by Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the opening ceremony. Rama praised Paolo Rossi for transcending boundaries and always maintaining his smile. He described Rossi as a legendary footballer who left an indelible mark on the world. He shared the unique experience of Albanian football fans during the 1982 World Cup, expressing how they enjoyed Italy's triumph in a distinct way due to limited access to television and the regime's propaganda screen.

The exhibition honoring Paolo Rossi is a collaborative effort between the Albanian Ministry of Culture and the Italian Embassy in Tirana. Following the exhibition opening, a reception was organized at the residence of the Italian embassy by Ambassador Fabrizio Bucci, to honor the distinguished guests, with the participation of top Albanian football figures, press representatives etc.