Roberto Baggio was hospitalized after an attack on his home by armed robbers who locked him and his family inside during Italy’s European Championship defeat to Spain, reports say.
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 10pm local time.
Italian football legend Baggio, nicknamed ‘The Divine Ponytail’ in his playing days, is said to have been hit in the head with the butt of a gun as he tried to fend off the invaders, who locked him and his family in a room before taking off with watches, jewelry and money.
In what was reportedly a 40-minute ordeal, Baggio reportedly took his family out of the room after the robbers fled before going to hospital to receive treatment for his forehead injury, for which he received stitches.
His family are said to have been badly shaken, but unhurt, during a robbery being investigated by police. Police have provided CCTV footage to aid their investigation.
Baggio, 57, is perhaps the most naturally gifted footballer Italy has produced.
He played in his country’s team that finished third at the 1990 World Cup and took them to the 1994 final.
But the defining image of his career will be him missing the decisive penalty in their shootout defeat 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 at the Italian Football Federation, chairing its technical department.
But he quit in 2013, after three years in the role, accusing the governing body of ignoring his recommendations on how to nurture young talent.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
