Marius Trésor admits to having been marked by Paolo Rossi, especially during the 1982 World Cup in Spain, which he played with the Blues. The trophy had also been won by Italy.
For the former central defender of the France team, the Italian, who died Wednesday night at the age of 64, will remain as “one of the best center-forwards” of his time.
How do you react to the death of Paolo Rossi?
MARIUS TREASURE. It really does something to me. I really enjoyed this boy. He was a very big center forward, a fighter. When I think of him, the 1982 World Cup immediately comes to mind. He was on top, blew up the defenses from his quarter-final hat-trick against Brazil. He lived a kind of state of grace, carried this Italian team to the highest level. I read the statements from his former teammates who said they would still be indebted to him for winning the World Cup. For all Italians, he will be remembered as the hero of 1982.
Do you remember the only game you faced him?
Yes, it was during the first match of the 1978 World Cup in Mar del Plata (Argentina). We opened the scoring in the 29th second with a goal from Bernard Lacombe. But we lost 2-1. It’s been a bit far, I don’t remember if Paolo Rossi had been good that day. But I think he scored, right? (Editor’s note: he had equalized in the 29th minute). Afterwards, if everything had gone normally against Germany, we would have had to face Italy in the final of the 1982 World Cup. It remains a regret because even if we were diminished with Genghini’s injuries, Battiston and Rocheteau, it could have been a good match. I could have measured myself against Paolo Rossi who, as I said, was really on top during this World Cup. There is also a match between Bordeaux and Juventus Turin in 1985 in the Champions League. I had stopped my career the season before. But with Platini and Boniek giving him the balls, Rossi was still very strong.
Among the center forwards of your generation, is Rossi among those who have marked you the most?
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Yes, but I would bring out three: Josip Skoblar for the French championship and internationally, Paolo Rossi and Gerd Müller. Rossi reminded me of Müller whom I had faced in 1973 with the France team. This type of center-forward, you feel like he’s not there, but when you look at the scoreboard, he scored two goals. They are poisons for the defenses. They are often the most annoying to play for a central defender. You must always keep an eye on them, remain attentive and not let go. Paolo Rossi was very strong in the area, he knew how to move well and be forgotten, he had the eye. For me, it was high class.
