Gianni De Rosa

Giovanni "Gianni" De Rosa (19 September 1956 – 2 August 2008) was an Italian football striker who played at Serie A level with Napoli, Como and Perugia, also winning a Serie B topscorer title in 1981 as a Palermo player.

Career Born in Cerignola, Province of Foggia, he made his professional debut in 1974 with Serie C side Lecco. After a season out on loan at Massese, he was signed by Ternana, where he spent three seasons. In 1980, he made his Serie A debut with Perugia. After a short spell with Como, he was signed by Serie B club Palermo, where he spent two successful seasons, scoring a total of 29 goals and winning a top scorer title in 1981. He then returned to the Italian top flight in 1983, with Napoli, where he spent a single season before moving to Cagliari. He then finally moved to Rimini in his final appearance as a professional player. After his retirement, he settled in Riccione.

Gianni De Rosa died on 2 August 2008, in a road accident in Rimini, as his motorcycle was struck by a bus at night.