Italy legend Gigi Riva - who won Euro 1968 with Azzurri and remains nation's top scorer - passes away aged 79

Riva had been taken ill at his home in Sardinia over the weekend and was taken to hospital for treatment for a suspected heart problem. However, it was confirmed on Monday that the legendary forward had died after a short spell in hospital.

Riva spent a year at Legnano before going on to become a legend at Cagliari, spending 13 years at the club and winning a Serie A title. He was also crowned the Italian top-flight's top scorer on three occasions with Cagliari and was runner-up in the Ballon d'Or in 1969, losing out to AC Milan and fellow Italy hero Gianni Rivera.

It was with the Italy national team that Riva secured himself as a national hero, however. In 42 appearances for the Azzurri, he netted 35 times to become their all-time top scorer - a record he still holds. He helped fire Italy to the Euro 1968 title, scoring in the final as they beat Yugoslavia 2-0. Two years later, Riva scored three times in the World Cup as the Azzurri made it to the final, where they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil.

The Italian football legend's passing was confirmed shortly before the Supercoppa Italiana final between Inter and Napoli in Riyadh, so no minute's silence was held in his honour. Serie A clubs will likely pay tribute to him before their matches this weekend.