Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi leaves his World Cup medal in coffin of late friend to be buried alongside him

Italy midfielder, Daniele De Rossi leaves his World Cup medal in coffin of late friend (Getty Images)

Italy midfielder, Daniele De Rossi paid tribute to a late friend by putting his World Cup medal in his coffin. Rossi was part of the Italy national team to win the 2006 World Cup in Germany.The 32-year-old on Wednesday, March 16 attended the funeral of Pietro Lombardi, the former Italy kitman, who had passed away aged 92.

Lombardi is fondly known as ‘Spazzolino’ – toothbrush – because he cleaned players’ shoes brilliantly, and was on hand for the players needs during their 2006 World Cup triumph.

Spazzolino is so much loved by players in that squad with Francesco Totti posting on his blog after hearing of his death.

Pietro Lombardi (circled in red) was the Italy national team kit man when they won the World Cup in 2006 (Getty Images)

Pietro Lombardi with the World Cup trophy in 2006 (Ggazzetta World)

At the funeral in Florence, Rossi said goodbye to his friend and parted with a very precious possession of his, the World Cup medal.