Italian football legend Gigi Riva, renowned for his ­extraordinary ­goalscoring ability and widely onsidered to be one of the greatest ­strikers of all time, has died aged 79. Throughout his career, Riva garnered acclaim as one of his generation"s ­standout players, with an impressive scoring record for Cagliari. His ­physical presence and powerful shooting earned him the nickname Rombo di Tuono (thunderclap). Riva’s accomplishments extended to the international stage, where he triumphed in the 1968 ­European Championship and secured a ­runner-up spot in the 1970 World Cup – yielding only to the ­formidable Brazil team led by Pelé. He also ­represented Italy in the 1974 World Cup. With 35 goals in 42 official ­appearances between 1965 and 1974, Riva still tops the list of Italy’s all-time leading goalscorers. No currently active Italy ­international has even half of his career total. Gigi Riva, Italy and Cagliari footballing hero, dies aged 79 after heart attack