ROME, Italy – Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio was reportedly hospitalized after a harrowing attack by armed intruders. The incident occurred while he was watching Italy’s match against Spain at Euro 2024 on Thursday night.
According to Italian news sources, the former forward, aged 57, faced a frightening assault that lasted approximately forty minutes. Allegedly, Baggio attempted to defend himself against five armed men who had broken into his property. Despite his efforts, he and his family were eventually locked in a closet by the attackers.
The assailants proceeded to steal watches and jewelry from Baggio’s home before he was able to free himself and contact the authorities. Baggio spent the night in a local hospital where he received stitches for his injuries, with the incident now the subject of a police investigation.
Baggio is widely regarded as a soccer icon, having played for Italy’s renowned clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles during his illustrious career. In 1993, he played a pivotal role in Juventus’s triumph in the UEFA Cup final by scoring two crucial goals against Borussia Dortmund.
That same year, Baggio was recognized as the FIFA World Player of the Year and was honored with the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. The assault on the legendary player has shocked the soccer community and fans worldwide, raising concerns about the safety and security of former athletes.