Football legend rushed to hospital after being crushed by armed robbers
Italian icon Roberto Baggio has been rushed to hospital after he was robbed and beaten by thugs.
Baggio, 57, was watching Italy’s Euro 2024 clash with Spain on Thursday (June 20) evening when he was victim of a home robbery. The “serious” attack, according to Italian media, took place in the former Ballon d’Or winner’s villa in Altavilla Vicentina.
The Italian legend tried to fight off five armed men after they reportedly broke into his property when he was watching the game. Corriere del Veneto claim the “nightmare lasted about forty minutes”.
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Baggio and his family were locked in a closet upstairs after Baggio was unable to fight off the thugs. And they were able to do away with watches and jewellery.
The 57-year-old was able to free himself and phone the police – and he was then taken to a local hospital where he was treated overnight after needing stitches from the attack.
(Image: Juventus FC via Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images for FIGC)
The Divine Ponytail, as he was affectionally known, spent the entirety of his career in his native Italy.
Starting his career for minnows Vicenza – before moving to Fiorentina, where he’s best remembered alongside his spell with Juventus. Baggio also turned out for AC Milan, Bologna and Inter Milan before experiencing a late career revival with Bresica.
However, Italian’s all fondly remember his time with the national team – where he was their star player in the early 1990s.
(Image: Getty Images)
In 1994, Baggio reached the World Cup final with Italy. The Azzurri clashed with Brazil in the USA, and with the full 90 minutes and extra-time unable to separate the two sides, the game went to penalties.
After a long run-up, the Italian sent goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel the wrong way – but his penalty flew over the crossbar. The image of Baggio standing on the penalty spot is one of the most famous in World Cup history.
Baggio has continued to work in football following his retirement in 2004 – most notably as president of the technical sector of the Italian football federation from 2010 and 2013
