Former Italy CT Azeglio Vicini, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 1988 semi-finals and third place at the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 84.
Vicini [pictured, left] leaves behind three children and would have turned 85 in March, but the official cause of his death has not been reported.
The Lombardian made 300 League appearances for Vicenza, Sampdoria and Brescia as a player, before going into coaching with the latter.
Former Italy CT Azeglio Vicini, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 1988 semi-finals and third place at the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 84.
Vicini [pictured, left] leaves behind three children and would have turned 85 in March, but the official cause of his death has not been reported.
The Lombardian made 300 League appearances for Vicenza, Sampdoria and Brescia as a player, before going into coaching with the latter.
He then took charge of Italy’s Under-23 team in 1975 and then their U21s, taking them to the quarter-finals of three European Championships and one semi-final in 1984.
His work with the Azzurrini saw him succeed 1982 World Cup champion Enzo Bearzot at the helm of the senior squad in 1986.
Vicini guided Italy to the Euro 88 semi-finals, but his finest hour came two years later, when the country hosted the World Cup.
He guided them to the last four again, but their run was halted by a penalty-shootout defeat to Diego Maradona’s Argentina.