Italian Football Legend Roberto Baggio Robbed and Assaulted at Home During Italy-Spain Match

Italian football icon Roberto Baggio was the victim of a harrowing armed robbery and assault at his residence in Altavilla Vicentina while watching the Italy–Spain match during the European Championship.

The 57-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner, known affectionately as the «Divine Ponytail,» was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a group of at least five armed assailants stormed his villa in Altavilla Vicentina at 10pm local time.

Reports suggest that Baggio attempted to confront the intruders, leading to one of them striking him on the head with the butt of a gun. Subsequently, he and his family were confined to a room as the perpetrators ransacked the property, making off with valuables such as jewellery, watches, and cash.

Once the burglars had left, Baggio, sensing the danger had passed, managed to break free from the room where they had been detained and promptly contacted the authorities.

Baggio was promptly taken to a nearby hospital in Arzignano, where he received medical treatment, including stitches to his forehead. Thankfully, his family members emerged from the ordeal unscathed.

A revered figure in Italian football, Roberto Baggio enjoyed a distinguished playing career, representing clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, Inter, Bologna, and Brescia.

Baggio’s accolades include finishing fourth in a Fifa player of the century online poll in 1999, as well as being the only Italian footballer to score in three World Cups and sharing the top goalscorer position for Italy in the tournament.

In a statement following the incident, Baggio expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, highlighting the somber reality that such events can unfold unexpectedly, resulting in fear and physical harm.

Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti recently extended an invitation for Baggio and other Italian football legends such as Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera, and Giancarlo Antognoni to provide veteran guidance to the current generation of players during Italy’s preparations for Euro 2024.