Italy icon Roberto Baggio beaten by armed robbers, rushed to hospital

Italian football 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. According to Italian media, the “serious” attack 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”.

Having failed to fight off the thugs, Baggio and his family were locked in a closet upstairs. The thieves were able to do away with watches and jewellery.

Baggio 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.

The 57-year-old started 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.

Baggio also played a huge role in the Italian national team. He he was their star player in the early 1990s.

In 1994, Baggio reached the World Cup final with Italy. However, Baggio failed to convert from the penalty spot after the match ended in a draw.

Despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Baggio’s 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.