Italy’s iconic footballer, Roberto Baggio, experienced a terrifying ordeal on Thursday night while watching his country’s Euro 2024 match against Spain.
At around 10pm local time, at least five armed robbers stormed into Baggio’s villa in Altavilla Vicentina, a small town near Vicenza, disrupting the quiet evening and leaving the football legend and his family in shock.
The robbers, armed and masked, confronted Baggio, who courageously tried to protect his family. In the confrontation, one of the intruders struck Baggio on the head with the butt of a gun, inflicting a wound that later required stitches.
The thieves then locked Baggio, his wife Andreina, and their three children—Valentina, Mattia, and Leonardo—into a room, leaving them helpless as they looted the house.
Robbery at Gunpoint Shocks Baggio Family
The burglars made off with a significant haul of jewellery, watches, and cash. Despite the traumatic encounter, Baggio managed to break down the locked door once the robbers had fled. He immediately called the police and was later taken to a hospital in Arzignano for treatment.
Baggio’s injuries, fortunately, were not severe, consisting mainly of a cut on his forehead and some bruises. However, the emotional impact of the incident was substantial. His family, though physically unharmed, was deeply shaken by the experience.
Speaking through his agent Vittorio Petrone to Italian news agency Ansa, Baggio expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support:
“My family and I are thankful for the great affection we’ve received. It was a terrifying experience, but we’re grateful the violence resulted in only minor injuries.”
The local police have launched an investigation into the robbery, analyzing CCTV footage from Baggio’s property and surrounding areas to identify the assailants.
Roberto Baggio, now 57, is celebrated as one of Italy’s greatest footballers. His career highlights include scoring 27 goals in 56 appearances for the national team and delivering memorable performances in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
Although he famously missed the crucial penalty in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, Baggio remains beloved by fans worldwide. His illustrious club career spanned Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, earning him numerous accolades, including two Serie A titles and the 1993 UEFA Cup with Juventus.
On the night of the robbery, Baggio was watching the Euro 2024 clash where Spain narrowly defeated Italy 1-0, thanks to a second-half own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. The match’s outcome added to an already distressing evening for the football legend.
This incident has not only highlighted the vulnerabilities even high-profile individuals face but also underscored the enduring admiration and concern the football community holds for Roberto Baggio.
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