ROME, Nov. 2(Xinhuanet)-- Ferruccio Valcareggi, the Italian soccer coach who took one of the greatest Italian sides to the 1970 World Cup final, died on Wednesday at age of 86.

According to the Italian Football Federation that Valcareggi died after a lengthy illness.

Valcareggi took charge of Italy team from 1966-1974 after coaching Prato, Atalanta and Fiorentina.

The Trieste-born Valcareggi led his side to a European Championships win in 1968.

Then they also reached the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico, where Italians lost to Brazil, after beating Germany in the memorable semi-final with 4-3.

As a player, Valcareggi played for Fiorentina, Bologna and Vicenza, and also earned several call-ups to the national team under Vittorio Pozzo.

Valcareggi's body will lie in state at the Italy training headquarters outside Florence for two days.

Thousands are expected to pay their respects.

He will be buried in Florence on Friday. Enditem