Italian law enforcers are investigating after Roberto Baggio’s villa was broken into by armed robbers on the night of Italy’s Euro 2024 group stage game against Spain.
The Ballon d’Or winner, who made 56 appearances for Italy and scored 27 goals, is reported to have been assaulted and then locked in a room with his family while the robbers carried out a home invasion on Thursday.
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Baggio, 57, attended a local hospital where he received treatment for a head injury. Carabinieri, one of Italy’s law enforcement agencies, in nearby Vicenza have started an investigation into the incident.
“I wish to express my support and solidarity to Roberto Baggio and his family,” the governor of the Veneto region Luca Zaia said in a statement.
“I’m sure I can send him the embrace of all the people from this region who he made dream with his unparalleled skill on pitches all around the world. I hope the Divine Ponytail, a champion, icon of our game and our region, who I consider a close friend can move on soon from an awful night and from the injuries he sustained which were treated by the staff of the Ulss Berica medical ward in Arzignano with whom I’ve been in touch.
“The experience he had in his home, struck and robbed by unspeakable criminals, unites his with other families who have unfortunately suffered similar experiences. As in all cases, we trust that the criminals will soon be brought to justice.”
A representative for Baggio released a statement on the family’s behalf, which read: “First of all, my family and I would like to thank everyone for the great affection we have received. Really, thank you. Anything could have happened and fortunately the violence I suffered only caused a few stitches, some bruises and a real scare. Now all that’s left to do is overcome the fear.”
(Claudio Villa/Getty Images)