SPORT

Armed Robbery: Italian Football Legend Roberto Baggio Hospitalised

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 21, 2024

News Views: 104

Italian football legend Roberto Baggio has been hospitalised after an armed robbery at his home in Altavilla Vicentina. The 57-year-old former Juventus and AC Milan player was attacked by a gang of five armed robbers around 10pm on Thursday night.

According to Daily Mail Sports, the intruders locked Baggio’s family in a room while they watched the Euro 2024 match between Italy and Spain. Baggio, known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), attempted to fend off the attackers but was struck in the head with the butt of a gun. The robbers stole watches, jewelry, and money from the estate, where Baggio and his family have lived for 15 years.

The robbery reportedly lasted 40 minutes. After the robbers left, Baggio managed to free his family from the locked room and sought medical treatment at a hospital in Arzignano for his forehead injury, which required stitches. While none of his family were physically harmed, they were left traumatized by the incident.

Speaking through his agent, Vittorio Petrone, Baggio expressed gratitude for the support received: “In similar circumstances, anything can happen, and fortunately, the violence suffered only generated a few stitches to my person, bruises, and a lot of fear. Now all that remains is to overcome the fear.”

Authorities are investigating the robbery with the help of CCTV footage from the property. The incident has prompted Baggio to further strengthen the security systems around his villa.

Baggio, who converted to Buddhism after a 1985 injury, spent his entire 22-year sporting career in Italy, earning a reputation as one of the world’s greatest players. He won two Serie A titles and played for top clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. Baggio is married to Andreina Fabbi and has three children: Valentina, Mattia, and Leonardo.