Former Argentinian star Omar Sivori dies, age 69

Former Argentinian international Omar Enrique Sivori died after a long illness, his family said.

Sivori, who had been battling a pancreatic tumour, played for River Plate in Argentina and then signed for Italian giants Juventus where he spent the best part of his career from 1957 until 1965 before ending his career at Naples.

"A great man and a great player has died," said Juventus director Antonio Giraudo.

"It's very sad. He was one of Juve's greatest players and his death leaves a great void."

Juve chief Luciano Moggi said: "We have lost a friend and a symbol."

Former Napoli player Antonio Iuliano added: "He was the Maradona of the 1960s. We played together for four years and I learnt a lot from him."

Sivori was the top scorer in the Italian league in 1960 with 27 goals and he helped Juve to three titles in 1958, 1960 and 1961 and the Italian Cup in 1959 and 1960.

He was part of Argentina's South American title winning team in 1957.

He won 28 caps - 19 for Argentina and 9 for Italy.