Roberto Baggio injured in armed burglary at home in Italy
The famous Italian soccer player Roberto Baggio had his home broken into by robbers on Thursday while he was watching the Italy-Spain game in the European Championship with his family. During the break-in, he was beaten and threatened with a gun.
A gang of five armed people broke into a villa in Altavilla Vicentina in northern Italy at 10pm.
According to news outlets, Baggio, who is 57 years old, tried to face the burglars but one of them hit him on the head with the back of a gun. The ex Ballon d'Or champion was then locked in a room with his family while the burglars searched the house and stole jewelry, watches, and money.
Following the attack, Baggio felt that the threat was over so he pushed open the door of the room he was held in and phoned the authorities.
He was brought to a hospital in Arzignano where he got stitches on his forehead, according to local reports. His family members were not injured.
To start with, my family and I want to express our gratitude for all the love and support we've received. Thank you so much," Baggio stated through his representative. "During times like these, anything is possible, and we're thankful that the harm we endured only required a few stitches and left us feeling scared."
Considered one of the best football players of all time, Baggio, lovingly called the "Divine Ponytail," competed for teams like Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Inter, Bologna, and Brescia.
In 1999, he came in fourth place in a Fifa player of the century online survey. Baggio is known for being the sole Italian player to have scored in three World Cups and also shares the title of top goal scorer for Italy in the tournament.
In 1993, he won the Fifa world player of the year award and was given the prestigious Ballon d'Or. The following year, during the Fifa World Cup in the United States, Baggio led Italy to the final match.
The moment when Baggio missed a penalty kick in the final match against Brazil is still remembered as a very important moment in football. Baggio has admitted that it is something he still thinks about and it bothers him.
Just a short while ago, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti asked Baggio and four other legendary Italian football players – Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera, and Giancarlo Antognoni – to join Italy's training camp for Euro 2024. The goal was to bring in some experienced influence for the current group of players.
