(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 12 - One of Italy's most popular sports commentators, Giampiero Galeazzi, has died at the age of 75 after a long illness, his family said Friday.
Most Italians have fond memories of his football coverage, especially of the national team, while he also memorably went wild and almost lost his voice when Italy won an Olympic gold in rowing, his own former sport.
He also conducted an iconic interview with Diego Maradona in the Napoli dressing room after the Argentine legend led the southern team to its first scudetto.
Born in Rome, he was known as 'Bisteccone', Big Steak, for his imposing physical stature.
Galeazzi was a stalwart of RAI state broadcaster's football coverage.
Tributes to the big man poured in from across the political spectrum Friday and Sports Undersecretary Valentina Vezzali, herself a former top fencer, said "your voice, charged with enthusiasm and passion, is linked to the memories of so many Azzurri moments."
She said she was certain that Rome's Olympic Stadium, where Italy are playing Switzerland in a crunch World Cup qualifier Friday night, "will know how to remember you as you deserve". (ANSA).