Roberto Baggio hospitalized after armed robbery during Euro 2024
Italian football icon Roberto Baggio was urgently hospitalized after a harrowing incident where he was assaulted and robbed by armed criminals while watching Italy’s 1-0 defeat to Spain at Euro 2024 on Thursday night, June 20.
According to reports from the Italian newspaper Corriere del Veneto, the former Ballon d’Or winner and his family were subjected to a home invasion during the match, describing it as a “serious attack” that occurred at Baggio’s residence in Altavilla Vicentina.
The newspaper detailed that the 57-year-old former forward faced a traumatic ordeal lasting approximately forty minutes. Baggio reportedly attempted to defend himself and his family against five armed intruders who forcibly entered their home.
Despite his efforts, they overwhelmed him, ultimately locking him and his loved ones inside a closet during the terrifying incident.
After the robbery, the assailants proceeded to steal watches and jewelry from his residence before Baggio eventually freed himself and contacted the authorities. Following the traumatic incident, the former forward spent the night in a local hospital where he received stitches for his injuries.
Baggio, renowned for his achievements in football, made history in 1998 as the first Italian player to score at three different World Cup tournaments, having previously scored in 1990 and 1994.
Throughout his illustrious career, he played for Italy’s top clubs – Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan – securing two Serie A titles.
In 1993, Baggio played a pivotal role in Juventus’ victory in the UEFA Cup, notably scoring two goals in the first leg of the final against Borussia Dortmund. His exceptional performance that year earned him prestigious accolades including the FIFA World Player of the Year award and the Ballon d’Or.
