Luigi Riva, widely regarded as one of the most formidable attackers in football history, has sadly passed away at the age of 79, a couple of months ago. Renowned for his exceptionally powerful left foot, Riva propelled Cagliari to the Serie A title in 1970. During this period, journalist Gianni Brera witnessed Riva’s dominance over Inter at the “Giuseppe Meazza” stadium, earning him the moniker “Grazie Fulmine” (Thunderbolt). Stories abound of his awe-inspiring striking ability.
One such tale recounts a training session with the Italian national team. Riva effortlessly bypassed two defenders, leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His shot found the net with such force that it tore through, striking a young bystander behind the goal and breaking their nose. Experts estimate the ball’s velocity at approximately 120 km/h.
Even formidable defenders like Tarcisio Burgnich, who amassed over 450 appearances for Inter and 66 caps for Italy, found themselves powerless against Riva’s prowess. Burgnich struggled to articulate the impact Riva had on the field.
Despite perennial interest from Juventus, Riva remained steadfastly loyal to Cagliari throughout his career. Arriving in Cagliari from Legnano as a teenager in 1963, Riva’s early life was marked by adversity. Raised in the impoverished town of Leggiuno in Lombardy, tragedy struck at the age of 11 when his father, Ugo, perished in a workplace accident.
Following his father’s death, Riva’s mother, Edris, took on menial jobs to support the family, while young Luigi was sent to a religious school. Tragically, he lost his mother to cancer at the age of 16, and his elder sister, Fausta, assumed caretaking duties.
Reflecting on his upbringing in a poignant 2010 interview with Rai, Riva expressed profound regret that his parents never witnessed his football achievements and admitted he would trade some of his success for a happier childhood.
In Sardinia, Riva found a second family. His on-field exploits endeared him not only to Cagliari fans but to the entire region, which rallied around him during his tenure with the club. He remained deeply connected to Sardinia even after retiring from football, eventually being named honorary president of Cagliari in 2019.
Riva’s legacy extends beyond club football; he holds the record for most goals scored for the Italian national team, with 35 goals in 42 appearances. Under his leadership, Italy clinched the European Championship in 1968 and reached the World Cup final in 1970, ultimately falling to Brazil.
His remarkable career, defined by loyalty, resilience, and unparalleled skill, will forever be intertwined with Cagliari. From his humble beginnings in Leggiuno to his enduring impact on Italian football, Luigi Riva’s legacy remains indelible.
