Roberto Baggio was hospitalized after an attack on his home by armed robbers who locked him and his family in for Italy’s defeat in the Euro Cup against Spainaccording to reports.
Corriere della Sera reported that the family had been watching Thursday night’s match at Altavilla Vicentina, near Venice, when a gang of five broke in around 10 p.m. local time.
Italian football legend Baggio, nicknamed “The Divine Ponytail” in his playing days, was said to have been hit on the head with the butt of a gun while trying to fight off intruders, who locked him and his family in. in a room before dealing with watches, jewelry and money.
In what was said to be a 40-minute ordeal, Baggio allegedly dragged his family out of the room after the robbers fled before going to hospital to receive treatment for his forehead injury, for which he was given stitches. .
His family are said to have been badly shaken, but unharmed, during a robbery which was being investigated by police who handed over CCTV footage to assist their investigation.
Baggio, 57, is arguably the most naturally talented footballer Italy has ever produced.
He starred in his country’s team that finished third in the 1990 World Cup and dragged them to the 1994 final.
But the image that will define his career will be of him missing the decisive penalty in the shootout loss to Brazil in the United States.
Baggio also played for three of Italy’s most decorated clubs, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles during his 22-year career.
After retiring from football, he became a senior official of the Italian Football Federation, presiding over its technical division.
But he resigned in 2013 after three years in the role, accusing the governing body of ignoring his recommendations on how to nurture young talent.
