Giuseppe Rossi, the former talent of the Italian national team and clubs like Fiorentina, Manchester United, and Villarreal, has chosen to bid farewell to soccer with a special match streamed live and free on DAZN, titled "Pepito Day." The friendly farewell match is set for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 18:00 at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, which has been a significant venue in Rossi's illustrious career.
As part of the event, a multitude of champions who have accompanied Rossi throughout his journey will participate. Notable names include Antonio Cassano, Gabriel Omar Batistuta, Francesco Toldo, Luca Toni, Borja Valero, and Sebastian Frey, to name a few. The match will also feature world champions such as Fabio Grosso and Daniele De Rossi, alongside esteemed guests Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri.
Giuseppe Rossi, born in 1987, earned the affectionate nickname "Pepito" from the World Cup-winning coach Enzo Bearzot, who likened him to the famous Paolo Rossi, known as "Pablito." Rossi's journey into professional soccer began at the young age of 17 when he joined Manchester United under the legendary Sir Ferguson. Following his time there, he showcased his talent across various clubs, including Newcastle, Parma, and Villarreal, where he made history as the leading foreign scorer for the club.
His accolades and contributions to Fiorentina were particularly cherished by Italian fans, especially as he donned their number 49 jersey— a tribute to his father's birth year. Rossi's legacy, filled with exceptional skill and heart, left an indelible mark in multiple leagues and, most importantly, in the hearts of his fans.
For soccer enthusiasts wishing to witness this pivotal farewell, accessing the match on DAZN is straightforward. Unsubscribed individuals can navigate to the homepage, select free content, and then register using their email, name, and surname to enjoy the live stream.
Addressing the fans and community, Rossi expressed heartfelt sentiments about his time on the pitch and why he chose Florence for this significant event. "Quella del 22 marzo sarà una giornata ricca di sorprese che culminerà con una bellissima partita amichevole insieme a ex compagni ed ex allenatori, una vera festa per Firenze e per i Tifosi. Ho scelto Firenze perché è la mia seconda casa..."
Rossi's career came to an end in July 2023, but this event marks not just a goodbye to the sport he loves but a celebration of the myriad of friendships, memorable matches, and achievements he built throughout his career. As the day approaches, anticipation grows among fans for a memorable celebration honoring a remarkable athlete.
As fans reflect on some of the highlights of Rossi's stellar career, they remember key moments like the hat-trick against Juventus. The day is not just a sports event, but it’s also an emotional reunion, with many of Rossi's old friends and mentors coming together to honor his contributions to the game.
Everyone eagerly looks forward to March 22, 2025, at the Artemio Franchi stadium, to say farewell to one of their own. Rossi's journey encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and passion that resonates deeply within the soccer community.
