Former Juventus and AC Milan footballer Roberto Baggio was injured during an armed robbery at his home in Altavilla Vicentina, northern Italy. The incident occurred at around 10:00 PM local time on Thursday while Baggio and his family were watching the Italy-Spain match in the European Championships.
At least five armed individuals forcibly entered the 57-year-old’s villa, turning a regular evening into a terrifying ordeal.
Attack and Immediate Aftermath
According to local media, Baggio attempted to confront the intruders but was struck on the forehead with the butt of a gun. The burglars then locked Baggio and his family in a room and proceeded to ransack the house, taking watches, jewelry, and cash.
The robbery lasted approximately 40 minutes. Once Baggio felt it was safe, he managed to break down the door and call the police.
Baggio was taken to the emergency room in Arzignano, where he received stitches for his head injury. Fortunately, his family members were not physically harmed but were left deeply shaken by the incident.
Baggio’s Public Statement
In his first public address following the robbery, Baggio expressed gratitude to everyone who sent their well wishes. “Now all that remains is to overcome the fear,” he said, adding that “fortunately, the violence I suffered only caused a few stitches on my person, bruises, and a lot of fear.”
Reactions and Condemnations
Luca Zaia, the president of the Veneto region, condemned the attack, calling it a “bad evening” for a symbolic champion of football and the region. “What happened must be condemned without ifs and buts,” Zaia stated, hoping the perpetrators would soon be brought to justice.
Police Investigation
The police have obtained CCTV footage of the incident and are actively investigating the case. The footage is expected to provide critical leads in identifying and apprehending the robbers.
Roberto Baggio: A Football Legend
Known as “Il Divin Codino” (The Divine Ponytail), Roberto Baggio is regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever. He led Italy to the World Cup final in 1994 but is also remembered for missing the decisive penalty in the shootout against Brazil.
Baggio played for several top Italian clubs, including Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Bologna, and Brescia, before retiring in 2004.
Baggio is the only Italian player to have scored in three World Cups and is joint-top scorer for Italy in the tournament. His illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or in 1993.
Aftermath and Security Measures
Following the robbery, Baggio’s agent, Vittorio Petrone, stated that the incident occurred so swiftly that the villa’s security systems could not be activated in time.
He mentioned that additional daytime detection systems would be installed to prevent future incidents. Petrone praised Baggio’s resilience and expressed confidence in his ability to support his family through this difficult time.
The robbery at Roberto Baggio’s home has left the football legend with physical and emotional scars. While the stolen items’ exact value remains unclear, the psychological impact on Baggio and his family is profound.
As the investigation continues, fans and well-wishers worldwide hope for swift justice and a quick recovery for Baggio.
The information is taken from The Mirror and CNN
