Gianni Rivera Paolo Rossi: AC Milan vs Vicenza This image captures a heavy, rain-soaked encounter between Gianni Rivera's Milan and Paolo Rossi's Lanerossi Vicenza during the late 1970s. The contrast between the seasoned Golden Boy and the emerging Pablito defines this era of Italian football Gianni Rivera (AC Milan) At this stage, Rivera was the elder statesman of Italian football, nearing the end of a legendary career that spanned two decades. Serie A Appearances: 501 Serie A Goals: 122 Milan Captaincy: 12 seasons Major Honours: 3 Scudetti, 2 European Cups, 1 Ballon d'Or (1969) Paolo Rossi (Lanerossi Vicenza) The young Rossi was the most clinical striker in the world during his Vicenza years, leading the "Real Vicenza" side that nearly took the title. 1977-78 Season: 30 appearances, 24 goals (Capocannoniere) 1978-79 Season: 28 appearances, 15 goals Vicenza Total (Serie A): 58 appearances, 39 goals Career Milestone: Rossi would eventually follow Rivera’s footsteps to Milan later in h...