Roberto Baggio Months after a controversial transfer from Fiorentina to bitter rivals Juventus lead to riots. Four years Baggio almost single-handedly dragged Italy to the World Cup final. In a cruel twist of fate an injured Baggio missed the penalty which handed the World Cup to Brazil. By the time Baggio Juventus,, Alessandro Del Piero, and was sold to Milan. Baggio rumours of embarrassing moves the MLS and the J-League, Baggio remained in Italy and joined perennial relegation strugglers Bologna. in Cesare Maldini's ill fated 1998 World Cup squad. Baggio, who was Italy's After two frustrating seasons at Inter, Baggio done at Fiorentina side in which once again he was the centre A classic playmaker blessed with exceptional technique and sublime dribbling skills, Baggio's performances in an Italy shirt are legendary. While others, ironically like Del Piero, Baggio thrived on them which Mohammed Baybars Mehdi Roberto Baggio (Italian pronunciation: [roˈbɛrto ˈbaddʒo]; born 18 February 1967) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a second striker, or as an attacking midfielder. He is the former President of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation. A technically gifted, creative playmaker and a set piece specialist renowned for his curling free kicks and goalscoring, Baggio is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.[2][3][4][5][6] In 1999 he came fourth in the FIFA Player of the Century internet poll,[7] and was chosen on the FIFA World Cup Dream Team in 2002.[8] In 1993, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.[9] Baggio played for Italy in 56 matches, scoring 27 goals, and is the fourth highest goalscorer for his national team. He starred in the Italian team that finished third in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice. At the 1994 FIFA World Cup he led Italy to the final, scoring five goals, received the World Cup Silver Ball and was named in the At the 1998 FIFA World Cup he scored twice, before Italy were eliminated to eventual champions France in the quarter-finals. Baggio is the only Italian to score in three World Cups, and with nine goals holds the record for most goals scored in World Cup tournaments for Italy, along with Paolo Rossi and Christian Vieri. At club level, Baggio is one of the top ten scoring Italians in all competitions., Baggio became the first player in over 30 years to score 200 goals in Serie A, and is currently the 7th highest goalscorer of all time in Serie A, with 205 goals.[14] In 1990, he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for a world record transfer fee.[15] Baggio has won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Cup, playing for seven different teams during his career. Baggio is known as Il Divin Codino (The Divine Ponytail), for the hairstyle he wore for most of his career, for his talent, and for his Buddhist beliefs.In 2002, Baggio was nominated Goodwill

• published: 13 Sep 2015
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