Juventus legend Gigi Buffon has paid tribute to Gigi Riva.

Former Cagliari and Italy striker Riva passed away on Monday.

"An unexpected and strong pain," Buffon's reflected. "As strong as his presence, always, at every moment, in support of every person that needed it.

"Today an unattainable legend in the history of Italian sport is passing away, but a friend and a person of enormous calibre and depth is also passing away."

Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi also stated: "As a player he was the greatest Italian striker in history and one of the best in the world. I was a big fan of his, then I worked with him in the national team, I coached and he was head of the delegation and I met a man even greater than the footballer, an extraordinary person.

"He left too soon, it's a great disappointment. He gave his life for football, we must all be grateful."