Italian football legend Roberto Baggio was reportedly struck on the head with the butt of a gun and detained in a room while watching the Italy Vs Spain Euro 2024 game.
Several reports including The Punch and The Guardian reported that Roberto Baggio was a victim of a terrifying home invasion on Thursday night, June 20, while watching the Italy vs Spain match in the European Championship with his family.
The 57-year-old, who resides in Altavilla Vicentina in northern Italy, was robbed and beaten at gunpoint by a group of five armed individuals who barged into his villa.
Reports indicate that Baggio bravely tried to confront the burglars, resulting in him being struck on the head with the butt of a gun.
He and his family were then confined to a room while the perpetrators ransacked their home, making off with valuable items such as jewelry, watches, and cash.
After the burglars fled, Baggio managed to break free from the room and alert the authorities.
He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital in Arzignano where he received stitches for his head injury. Thankfully, his family members escaped unharmed from the traumatic ordeal.
Fans worldwide were shocked by the news of the robbery and assault on the iconic footballer, which took place on the same day as Spain and Italy’s match, with Spain winning 1-0.
Despite the incident, former Ballon d’Or recipient Baggio has reassured fans that he is unharmed.
Baggio said in a statement released by his manager: “First of all, my family and I would like to thank everyone for the great affection received. Truly, thank you.”
“In such circumstances, anything can happen, and fortunately, the violence suffered only resulted in a few stitches and a lot of fear.”
Who is Roberto Baggio?
Roberto Baggio is a retired Italian footballer who is considered one of the greatest players of his generation. He was born on February 18, 1967, in Caldogno, Italy.
Roberto Baggio football career
Baggio, fondly known as the “Divine Ponytail,” began his professional football career in 1982 with Vicenza, before moving on to play for several other clubs including Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Bologna, and Inter Milan.
Baggio is known for his skillful dribbling, precise passing, and clinical finishing. He was a versatile attacker who could play as a forward, attacking midfielder, or second striker.
Baggio’s most successful period came when he was playing for Juventus, where he won the Serie A title in the 1994-1995 season and helped the team reach the final of the UEFA Champions League in 1997.
Baggio’s most memorable moment came in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where he led Italy to the final with unforgettable performances.
Despite missing a crucial penalty in the final against Brazil, Baggio was named the tournament’s best player and won the Golden Ball award.
His achievement
Throughout his illustrious career, Baggio won numerous individual awards, including the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993 and the Ballon d’Or in 1993. He also won several domestic trophies, including two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, and one UEFA Cup.
Baggio retired from professional football in 2004, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in Italian football history.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti recently extended invitations to Baggio and four other Italian football legends – Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera, and Giancarlo Antognoni – to join Italy’s training camp for Euro 2024 to bring some experienced influence to the younger players.
He is still revered by fans for his elegant playing style and his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game.
