Roberto Baggio was rushed to hospital on Thursday after being robbed and assaulted by armed thugs.
The incident took place as he was watching Italy’s 1-0 defeat against Spain at Euro 2024 at home with his family.
Italian news reports claim Baggio was struck on the head with the butt of a gun when the Italy legend confronted them at his villa near the Vicenza in northern Italy at around 10pm local time.
The robbers locked the 57-year-old and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash.
After the thieves left, Baggio freed himself and called police. He was taken to the hospital and received stitches for the wound suffered, but his family members were not harmed.
Police have now launched an investigation into the incident.
Famed for his trademark ponytail, Baggio is best remembered for his dazzling talent in the 1980s and 90s turning out for Italian giants Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.
When he left Fiorentina for Juve in 1985 there were riots from fans, who were heartbroken at their star man leaving. He returned to Florence as a Juve player in 1991 and the team bus required a police escort through the streets.
He was instrumental in Juventus’ UEFA Cup final success 1993 against Borussia Dortmund, netting twice to help the Old Lady lift the trophy.
His heroics saw him scoop the Ballon d’Or award ahead of Dennis Bergkamp and Eric Cantona.
Baggio played and scored in three World Cup, becoming the first Italian to do so when he found the target for his country at France 1998.
Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, the attacking midfielder famously missed a penalty in the World Cup final shootout against Brazil in 1994.
After a goalless 120 minutes and Brazil leading 3-2 in the shootout, Baggio needed to score his spot kick.
But he agonisingly fired over the crossbar to hand Brazil the World Cup.
Baggio retired from football with Brescia in 2004 having won two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia.
In 2010, Baggio took up the position of president of the technical sector of the Italian football federation.
However, he resigned for the post in 2013, claiming his ideas of focusing on youth players had been ignored.
In total he played 57 times for Italy and scored 27 goals with his one against Czechoslovakia in 1990 still shared by fans online when international football tournaments are played.
News Summary:
- Roberto Baggio in hospital after armed thugs rob Italy legend and hit him with gun while watching Spain game
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.