Italian football legend Roberto Baggio has been hospitalized following an attack by armed robbers who invaded his home.

Ex-Italy Footballer Roberto Baggio Hospitalized After Robbery Attack

The robbers forced his family into confinement while they watched the Euro 2024 match between Italy and Spain last night.

According to Daily Mail Sports, the 57-year-old Baggio was at his residence in Altavilla Vicentina, a small town in northern Italy about an hour from Venice, when a group of five intruders broke in around 10 PM local time on Thursday.

Italy lost the game to Spain by a single goal.

Baggio, known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), attempted to resist the attackers but was struck in the head with the butt of a gun. Following this, he and his family were locked in a room.

The robbers made off with watches, jewelry, and money from the secluded estate where Baggio and his family have lived for the past 15 years.

The total value of the stolen items is currently unknown. The robbery reportedly lasted 40 minutes.

After the robbers left, Baggio managed to free his family from the locked room. He sought medical treatment for his head injury, which required stitches, at a hospital in Arzignano, about eight miles from his home.

While his family did not suffer any physical injuries, they were deeply traumatized by the incident.

The police, who are investigating the case, have obtained CCTV footage to aid in their inquiry.

Speaking to Italian media through his agent, Vittorio Petrone, Baggio expressed his gratitude, saying, “First of all, my family and I would like to thank everyone for the great love we have received. Thank you very much.”

“In similar circumstances, anything can happen, and fortunately, the violence suffered only resulted in a few stitches, bruises, and a lot of fear. Now all that remains is to overcome the fear.”

Petrone further elaborated, “The sudden attack, during daylight, prevented the activation of all the advanced security systems in the villa. We will now enhance the daytime detection systems around the entire perimeter. Only when you are directly affected do you realize the impact of such a violent and oppressive incident in your own home. Roberto, once again, amazed me with his clarity and strength of spirit immediately following the attack. I am confident that Roberto will continue to be the pillar of strength for his family as they recover from this brutal attack. The investigators are working tirelessly to bring the culprits to justice.”

Baggio had an illustrious 22-year career in Italy, playing for renowned clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. He won two Serie A titles and is celebrated as one of the greatest players in the history of football.

In 1985, an injury led him to convert from Catholicism to Buddhism, though he married his long-time partner Andreina Fabbi in a Catholic ceremony in 1989. The couple has three children: Valentina, born in 1990; Mattia, born in 1994; and Leonardo, born in 2005.

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