The unique exhibition of Paolo Rossi’s extraordinary collection opened at the National Historical Museum. Paolo Rossi, the golden boy of Italian football, who captured the hearts of Albanian fans in the 70s-80s, exchanged his jerseys with other world legends of that era.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the opening ceremony, stated, “Anyone who watched football in that era should not miss this rare exhibition.”

Rama praised Paolo Rossi for surpassing limits but never losing his smile. According to him, Rossi “was a legendary footballer who left this world with an important memory.”

“We open the doors to welcome all those who want to take this journey into the past and think about the future. Here in Albania, we experienced football in a very different way, and we enjoyed Italy’s triumph in the ’82 World Cup in a completely different manner, as we were cut off from the world and had no opportunity to travel or watch television other than the regime’s propaganda screen,” said Rama.

For us, the Prime Minister continued, football has been an image of another world.

Rama also emphasized that the idea for this exhibition in Tirana came by the legend of world football, Arrigo Sacchi.

The opening ceremony of this exhibition was attended by the world football legend Arrigo Sacchi, Paolo Rossi’s wife Federica Cappelletti, director of the “Paolo Rossi” foundation, Italy’s ambassador to Albania Fabrizio Bucci, the president of the Albanian Football Federation Armando Duka, and others.

A welcoming speech was also delivered by the President of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, who expressed his honor at being part of the inauguration of the exhibition “Paolo Rossi, a golden boy and football legend” in Tirana.

“This exhibition is something wonderful that creates a space between the relevance of the time linked to memory. Paolo Rossi is a timeless hero. He perfectly embodies this. Now you will have the opportunity to see it through the exhibition. I want to emphasize what Arrigo Sacchi said; this exhibition is the project of beauty,” said Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation.

Meanwhile, the Italian ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci, stated that Paolo Rossi is an important part of Italian history.

“Thank you to everyone who made it possible to bring this exhibition, these wonderful memories of an extraordinary person, Paolo Rossi. He is a part of Italian history. Rossi’s football with that wonderful 1982 team represents our history,” said the Italian ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci.

A welcoming speech at the inauguration of the exhibition was also given by the famous Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi.

“I am very happy to be here today in this wonderful place; the city has changed a lot. Football and sports, in general, help you live better, and this activity is for everyone. It is a pleasure for me to be here, and whenever you want me to come, I will come with pleasure,” said the famous Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi.

Exhibition director Marco Schembri thanked the Albanian Football Federation for their cooperation in bringing the exhibition to Albania.

Paolo Rossi’s wife, Federica Cappelletti, said she feels honored that the exhibition “Paolo Rossi, a golden boy and football legend” comes to a friendly country like Albania.

“Marco proposed the possibility of bringing the exhibition to Albania, and today I want to say that I am very happy that the exhibition comes to a friendly country like Albania. I want to thank very much those who made this possible and hope that this exhibition can bring values, principles, and a very important part of Italy to this beautiful reality called Albania and Tirana,” said Paolo Rossi’s wife, Federica Cappelletti.

Former football stars Marco Tardelli and Antonio Cabrini also delivered brief speeches, recalling Paolo Rossi’s figure once again.

“Everything Paolo did changed Italian football and beyond. He was a good friend and a wonderful person; he was a positive and special character. Three years have passed since Paolo passed away, and we lost a part of our group and team. Now he watches us from above,” said Antonio Cabrini.

“I believe I knew Paolo very well; we were very good friends. It’s a pleasure to talk about him. A fantastic man, a person with great confidence, we always needed him in our team,” said Marco Tardelli.

A special guest at the exhibition inauguration was Abraham Klein, the former Israeli referee of the 1982 World Cup semi-final, Italy vs. Brazil.

“This is the first time I visit Tirana. I’ve been everywhere in the world, but today is my first time here. I knew Paolo Rossi on the field, as I refereed him five times when he was playing. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest footballers who contributed to Italy and football in general. His loss has been a tragedy for his family, football, and the whole world,” said Abraham Klein.

The exhibition spaces chronologically describe not only Paolo Rossi’s life and career but also give football enthusiasts the opportunity to see relics and personal belongings of the greatest personalities in national and international football.

Among personal items, virtual reality, original jerseys, interviews, the Golden Ball, and the Golden Shoe from ’82, exhibition visitors will be able to get in touch with one of the most valued athletes in the history of national and international football.

A champion who made Italy and Albania dream: “Paolo Rossi, a golden boy,” the exhibition will remain open until February 24th.

/k.s/