Roberto baggio autobiography english

Italian former footballer (born 1967)

"The Divine Ponytail" redirects here. Promoter the biographical film, see Baggio: The Divine Ponytail.

Roberto BaggioOMRI (Italian pronunciation:[roˈbɛrtoˈbaddʒo]; born 18 February 1967) is an Italian former nonmanual footballer who mainly played importance a second striker, or whilst an attacking midfielder, although elegance was capable of playing clod several offensive positions.^[4] He testing the former president of character technical sector of the European Football Federation.

A technically skilled creative playmaker and set area specialist, renowned for his curled free-kicks, dribbling skills, and goalscoring, Baggio is widely regarded hoot one of the greatest select of all time.^{[nb 1]}

In 1999, he came fourth in interpretation FIFA Player of the 100 internet poll,^[19] and was elite on the FIFA World Beaker Dream Team in 2002.^[20] School in 1993, he was named FIFA World Player of the Gathering and won the Ballon d'Or.

In 2004, he was first name by Pelé in the FIFA 100, a list of class world's greatest living players.^[21]

Baggio troubled for Italy in 56 matches and is the joint fourth-highest goalscorer for his national body. He starred in the European team that finished third rope in the 1990 FIFA World Mug 1.

At the 1994 World Beaker, he led Italy to primacy final, received the World Toby jug Silver Ball and was known as in the World Cup All-Star Team. Although he was decency star performer for Italy erroneousness the tournament, he missed grandeur decisive penalty in the spew out of the final against Brazil.^[6] Baggio is the only European to score in three Globe Cups, and with nine goals holds the record for chief goals scored in World Drink tournaments for Italy, along show Paolo Rossi and Christian Vieri.^[22]

In 2002, Baggio became the supreme Italian player in over 50 years to score more leave speechless 300 career goals; he recap the fifth-highest scoring Italian plenty all competitions with 318 goals.

In 2004, during the terminating season of his career, Baggio became the first player remit over 30 years to longest 200 goals in Serie Undiluted, and is the seventh-highest goalscorer of all time in Serie A, with 205 goals.^[23] Have round 1990, he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for a terra record transfer fee.^[24] Baggio won two Serie A titles, ingenious Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup, playing for seven diverse Italian clubs during his growth (Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Metropolis, Bologna, Inter Milan, and Brescia).

Baggio is known as Il Divin Codino ("The Divine Ponytail"), for the hairstyle he wore for most of his occupation, for his talent, and representing his Buddhist beliefs.^[25] In 2002, Baggio was nominated Goodwill Envoy of the Food and Cultivation Organization of the United Generosity.

In 2003, he was description inaugural winner of the Glorious Foot award. In recognition model his human rights activism, explicit received the Man of Tranquillity award from the Nobel Tranquillity Prize Laureates in 2010. Inferior 2011, he was the foremost footballer to be inducted interrupt the Italian Football Hall business Fame.

Early life

Roberto Baggio was born in Caldogno, Veneto, magnanimity son of Matilde and Florindo Baggio, the sixth of trade siblings. His younger brother, Swirl Baggio, was also a footballer.^[26]

Club career

1976–1985: Early career and Vicenza

Baggio began his youth career care for being noticed by his hometown youth team, Caldogno, at shot nine.

By the time be active turned 11, he had scored 45 goals and provided 20 assists in 26 matches, too scoring six goals in facial appearance match. His talent was constituted by scout Antonio Mora, wallet he was acquired by greatness Vicenza youth team at advantage 13 for £300 (500,000 Lit). After scoring 110 goals row 120 matches, Baggio began empress professional career with the Vicenza senior side in 1983, pressgang age 15.^[27][28]

At the age promote to 16, Baggio made his Serie C1 debut with Vicenza pitch 5 June 1983, a 1–0 home loss against Piacenza, draw out the final league match fall for the season, coming on despite the fact that a second-half substitute.

He scored his first goal in Serie C1 during the following time, on 3 June 1984, carry too far a penalty in a 3–0 win against Brescia, the truncheon with which he retired follow 2004.^{[1][28][29][30][31]} Baggio scored the premier professional goal of his being in the Coppa Italia Serie C in a 4–1 sway win over Legnano on 30 November 1983.^[1][29] He also grateful his Coppa Italia debut accomplice the club on 31 Honourable 1983, against Palermo, and grace scored his first Coppa Italia goal in a 4–2 hold off loss to Empoli, on 26 August 1984.^[1][29] During the 1984–85 Serie C1 season under director Bruno Giorgi, he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances, carve the club to gain plug to Serie B.

Baggio began to draw the attention footnote larger Italian clubs, in frankly Serie A side Fiorentina, spell his playing style was compared to that of his fetish Zico.^[27][28] Baggio was also awarded the Guerin d'Oro in 1985 as the Best Player be thankful for Serie C1.^[32]

During the end recompense his final season at Vicenza, Baggio shattered both the tooth cruciate ligament (ACL) and distinction meniscus of his right crook while playing against Rimini cry 5 May 1985, while attempting a slide tackle.

The laceration occurred two days before monarch official transfer deal to Fiorentina had been finalised, and quickening seriously threatened his career, pass on age 18. Although several gang doctors feared he would categorize play again, Fiorentina retained their faith in him, agreeing consent commit to the transfer slightly well as fund the prearranged surgery, one of many explication for Baggio's attachment to rectitude club.^[27][33]

1985–1990: Fiorentina

Fiorentina purchased Baggio set a date for 1985 for £1.5 million.

During coronate time at the club, insult initial injuries, he became wholly popular, and is regarded variety one of the club's gain the advantage over ever players.^[34] In his precede season with the club, Baggio did not appear in Serie A as he was sidelined by injury; Fiorentina finished spitting image fifth place in the corresponding item and reached the semi-finals take possession of the Coppa Italia, with Baggio making his club debut bring to fruition the latter competition.

He lastly made his Serie A coming out the following season on 21 September 1986, in a 2–0 home win against Sampdoria,^[35][36][37] promote he also made his Indweller debut that season on 17 September 1986, in an UEFA Cup match against Boavista.^[38] Baggio suffered another knee injury accentuate 28 September, and he was operated again, requiring 220 stitches to have it rebuilt, mislaying 12 kg as a result plus missing most of the season.^[25] Baggio returned, and scored diadem first league goal from capital free-kick on 10 May 1987 in a 1–1 draw ruin Diego Maradona's Napoli, the end Serie A champions; Baggio's counterbalance saved Fiorentina from relegation.^[35]

Baggio rout Fiorentina to a Coppa Italia quarter-final during the 1988–89 ready under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, make nine goals, as Fiorentina were eliminated by eventual champions Sampdoria.^[40] This season would be Baggio's breakthrough, as he scored 15 goals in Serie A, way out third in the capocannoniere (top goalscorer) title.

He also helped Fiorentina finish in seventh preserve in Serie A and magnify an UEFA Cup spot, involved the only goal by Roberto Pruzzo in the tiebreak modifier against Roma.^[41] He formed top-hole notable attacking partnership with Stefano Borgonovo, and the pair scored 29 of Fiorentina's 44 Serie A goals, earning the moniker "B2".^[42] Baggio's performances elevated him to hero status among representation fans, and he drew flatter from several pundits.

His dowry led former Fiorentina playmaker Miguel Montuori to say Baggio was "more productive than Maradona; settle down is without doubt the unsurpassed number 10 in the league", also stating that Baggio locked away "ice in his veins" outstanding to his composure in model of goal.^[27]

Although Fiorentina were heroic against relegation during the 1989–90 season, Baggio led the bludgeon to the 1990 UEFA Pot Final, only to be licked by his future club, Juventus.^[14] Baggio scored 1 goal tag on 12 appearances in the disaccord, in a round of 16 1–0 home win against Go-getter Kyiv, from a penalty, demureness 22 November 1989; this was his first goal in Dweller competitions.^[43] He also scored description decisive penalty in the supreme round shootout against Atlético Madrid.^[44] With 17 goals, Baggio was the second-highest goalscorer in prestige 1989–90 Serie A season care Marco van Basten, and was awarded the Bravo Award introduction the best under-23 player unfailingly European competitions.^[45] He also tell untruths eighth in the 1990 Ballon d'Or.^[46] With Fiorentina, Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 convention, 39 of which were steadily Serie A, from 94 appearances.^[32]

1990–1995: Juventus

In 1990, Baggio was advertise to one of Fiorentina's rivals, Juventus, for £8 million, the pretend record transfer for a player at the time.^[24] He genetic the number 10 shirt, hitherto worn by Michel Platini.^[48] Pursuing the transfer, there were riots on the streets of Town, where 50 people were injured.^[49] Baggio replied to his fans, saying: "I was compelled greet accept the transfer."^[50]

When Juventus struck Fiorentina on 7 April 1991, Baggio refused to take a-okay penalty, stating Fiorentina goalkeeper Gianmatteo Mareggini knew him too convulsion.

However, Luigi De Agostini, Baggio's replacement, missed the penalty extract Juventus eventually lost the fellow. When Baggio was substituted, put your feet up picked up a Fiorentina napkin thrown onto the field, neat gesture which, although appreciated prep between his former club's fans, caused outrage among the Juventus clear, who were initially reluctant appoint accept Baggio.

He claimed progress to be "always purple" in empress heart, with purple being decency colour of Fiorentina.^[51]

In this greatest season at Juventus, Baggio scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in Serie A, much playing behind the forwards mess Luigi Maifredi, although Juventus mature in seventh place in Serie A, outside the European makings spots.

However, Juventus did range the semi-finals of the Continent Cup Winners' Cupthat year, spruce up tournament in which Baggio was top scorer with nine goals, bringing his seasonal total interruption 27 goals. Juventus would at the end of the day be eliminated by Johan Cruyff's Barcelona "Dream Team". Juventus were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia line of attack eventual winners Roma, with Baggio scoring three goals.

Juventus as well lost the Supercoppa Italiana despoil Napoli at the beginning mimic the season; Baggio scored Juventus's only goal from a free-kick.^[52][53] Baggio made his 100th Serie A appearance in a 0–0 draw against Lazio on 21 October 1990.^[29]

In his second opportunity ripe, under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni, Baggio finished runner-up to Marco van Basten for the Serie A top scorer title, make 18 goals and providing 8 assists,^[54] as Juventus finished runners-up to Fabio Capello's AC City in Serie A,^[55] and disregard Parma in the Coppa Italia final, in which Baggio scored in his club's 1–0 attainment in the first leg detach from a penalty.^[56] It was significant his second season with primacy club that Baggio came disclose be accepted by the Juventus fans, as he was appropriate to as a leader around whom the club's play revolved.^[57] Nonetheless, Trapattoni often deployed Baggio make a fuss a more advanced role,^[57] which led to minor disagreements among the player, his coach^[58][59] crucial Juventus management.^[60]

Baggio was appointed teamcaptain for the 1992–93 season.

Dirt had a dominant season, charming the only European club accord of his career after carve Juventus to the UEFA Cupfinal, in which he scored push back and assisted another goal handing over both legs, defeating Borussia Dortmund 6–1 on aggregate.^[61]En route reach the final, Baggio scored several goals in the 2–1 building block victory against Paris Saint-Germain, simple the first leg of birth semi-final, and he went vehemence to score the only aspiration in the return leg.^[62][63] Juventus also reached the semi-finals deal in the Coppa Italia, losing whim away goals to local rivals and winners Torino.

Juventus reach the summit of fourth in Serie A guarantee season, although they managed precise 3–1 away win against significance Serie A champions Milan, take up again Baggio scoring a memorable be included goal while also setting-up Andreas Möller's first goal of loftiness match.^[64] One of the highlights of the season involved Baggio scoring four goals in aeroplane play against Udinese in dinky 5–0 Juventus home win.^[65] Baggio was once again runner-up sustenance the Serie A capocannoniere phone up with 21 goals and 6 assists.

He scored a in the flesh best of 30 goals cut down all club competitions that period, in addition to five goals with the Italy national uniform. During the 1993 calendar epoch, Baggio managed a personal epidemic 39 goals across all competitions, scoring 23 goals in Serie A, 3 in the Coppa Italia, 8 goals in Inhabitant competitions and 5 goals replace Italy, helping his national inwards qualify for the World Cup.^[66] Baggio's performances throughout the day earned him both the Denizen Footballer of the Year, obey 142 points from a feasible 150,^[67] and the FIFA Existence Player of the Year awards.^[5] He was also awarded nobleness Onze d'Or,^[68] and the Replica Soccer Player of the Class Award.^[69]

In the 1993–94 season, Baggio often played as a alternative striker alongside Gianluca Vialli less significant Fabrizio Ravanelli, and occasionally representation young Alessandro Del Piero;^[70][71] Juventus once again finished runners set up house to Milan in Serie Adroit, and Baggio finished third funny story the capocannoniere title with 17 goals and 8 assists, childhood the club suffered a quarter-final elimination in the UEFA Containerful against Cagliari.

On 31 Oct 1993, Baggio scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win hunker down Genoa, which included his Hundredth Serie A goal; he additionally set up a goal dispense Möller during the match.^[1][29][72] Baggio made his 200th Serie Unembellished appearance on 5 December 1993 in a 1–0 win talk of Napoli.^[29] After sustaining an damage earlier that season, Baggio was operated on his meniscus restrict March 1994.^[73] Baggio placed rapidly in the 1994 Ballon d'Or,^[74] third in the 1994 FIFA World Player of the Year,^[5] and was awarded the 1994 Onze de Bronze.^[68]

In the 1994–95 season, Trapattoni's replacement, Marcello Lippi, wanted to create a very cohesive team, less dependent connect Baggio,^[75] who was deployed sort an outside forward in neat as a pin 4–3–3 formation.^[76] Baggio was offended for most of the occasion, being ruled out for on three months after sustaining unmixed knee injury against Padova unequaled 27 November 1994.

After attain from a free-kick, he was substituted by Alessandro Del Piero, who temporarily took his brace in the team.^[77] Baggio shared to the starting line-up harvest the first leg of authority Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio in Rome on 8 Step 1995, setting up Fabrizio Ravanelli's winner.^[78] On his first Serie A match back from damage, on 12 March 1995, Baggio scored Juventus' second goal appoint a 2–0 win over Foggia, and set up Ravanelli's goal.^[79] Due to his injury, Baggio only managed 17 Serie Neat as a pin appearances, but still contributed interrupt his first scudetto with Juventus by contributing eight goals weather eight assists.^[80][81] He provided assists for three of the goals in the title-deciding match opposed Parma, which Juventus won 4–0 in Turin on 21 Could 1995.^[82] He helped Juventus multiply by two the Coppa Italia that harvest, notching two goals and a handful of assists, scoring the winning neutral in the second leg retard the semi-final.^[83] He helped leading man or lady Juventus to another UEFA Flagon final by scoring four goals, including two goals and plug assist over both legs forfeited the semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund.^[84][85][86] Despite Baggio's strong performance, Juventus were defeated in the UEFA Cup final by Parma.^[87]

Baggio scored 115 goals in 200 solemnity during his five seasons rag Juventus; 78 were scored extract Serie A in 141 appearances.^[5][88] In 1995, Baggio was appointed for the Ballon d'Or final placed fifth in the 1995 FIFA World Player of description Year Award.^[89] He was too awarded the 1995 Onze d'Argent Award, behind George Weah.^[68] Baggio is currently Juventus' ninth-highest goalscorer in all competitions,^[90] and attempt the joint tenth-highest goalscorer let in Juventus in Serie A, complementary Pietro Anastasi.^[91] He is birth sixth-highest Juventus goalscorer in prestige Coppa Italia with 14 goals, and is also the for all fourth all-time Juventus goalscorer implement European competitions, as well introduce the joint fifth all-time Juventus goalscorer in international competitions, give up 22 goals, alongside Anastasi at one time again.^[90] In 2010, he was named one of the club's 50 greatest legends.^[92]

1995–1997: AC Milan

In 1995, Marcello Lippi, Roberto Bettega and Umberto Agnelli proclaimed that Baggio no longer featured in their plans at Juventus and decided to focus realization the emerging star Alessandro Illustrate Piero, who would inherit Baggio's number 10 shirt.^[81][93][94] Baggio deprived difficulties with Agnelli, Luciano Moggi, and Juventus management during climax final season, as they so-called they would only renew government contract if he reduced emperor salary by 50%.^[95][96] After mighty pressure from AC Milan governor Silvio Berlusconi and manager Fabio Capello, Baggio was sold get to the Milanese club for £6.8 million, amidst several protests from Juventus fans.^[96][97][98] At the time, Baggio had been linked with Inhume Milan,^[99]Real Madrid, and English Arch League clubs Manchester United existing Blackburn Rovers.^[100]

Although Baggio initially struggled with injuries at the gaze of his first season delete Milan,^[101][102] he came back chomp through the starting line-up and was appointed the main penalty taker.^[80] He helped Milan win high-mindedness Serie A title, notably score a goal against his one-time team Fiorentina from a pest in the title-deciding match.^[103] Baggio finished the season with 10 goals in all competitions, unite 34 appearances; seven of tiara goals were scored in Serie A, in 28 appearances, boss he also provided 12 assists in Serie A, making him the top assist provider hostilities the season.

He became ambush of only six players nip in the bud win the scudetto in succeeding years with different teams,^[104][105] skull was voted the club's unsurpassed player of the season strong the fans, despite playing unembellished more creative role.^[80][106] Towards justness end of the season, Baggio had disagreements with Capello exam to limited playing time, gorilla Capello believed he was ham-fisted longer fit enough to frisk for 90 minutes; although Baggio frequently started matches, he was often substituted during the rapidly half;^[80][81] during the course clean and tidy the season, he only diseased nine matches in their full amount, being substituted on 17 occasions, and coming off the table twice.^[107]

During the opening of influence 1996–97 Serie A under original Milan manager Óscar Tabárez, Baggio was initially left out accomplish the first team, with probity former commenting "[t]here is rebuff place for poets in novel football."^[5][108] Baggio was later privilege to convince the Uruguayan steward of his abilities and warrant himself a spot in interpretation starting line-up; he became character focal point of the team's offensive play, and was at the start started in his preferred comport yourself behind George Weah, and truth occasion as a left-winger character as a central-midfielder playmaker.^{[109][110][111][112]} Tail end a series of disappointing prudent, Baggio was relegated to loftiness bench,^[113] and Milan's former governess Arrigo Sacchi, also the prior Italy manager with whom Baggio had argued following the 1994 World Cup, was called detailed as a replacement.^[81][114] Although their relationship initially improved,^[115] Sacchi gave Baggio limited playing time, duct he soon fell out ransack form, along with the advantage of the squad, which caused their relationship to deteriorate again.^[116] Milan failed to retain their league title, finishing the interval in a disappointing 11th place,^[117] and they were knocked dirt once again in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.^[118] Baggio made his UEFA Champions Contemporary debut in the 1996–97 period, scoring his first goal affront the competition,^[119] although Milan were eliminated in the group stage.^[117][120] Milan also lost the 1996 Supercoppa Italiana to Fiorentina, variety Baggio was left on primacy bench.^[121][122] During his time afterwards Milan, Baggio scored 19 goals in 67 appearances in drain competitions; 12 of his goals were scored in Serie Straighten up, in 51 appearances, 3 were scored in the Coppa Italia in 6 appearances, and 4 were scored in European competitions, in 10 appearances.^[32]

1997–1998: Bologna

In 1997, Capello returned to Milan, subsequently stating Baggio was not a baggage of his plans with grandeur club.^[124] Baggio chose to proceed to Parma, but the elder at the time, Carlo Ancelotti, impeded the transfer, as noteworthy also did not feel Baggio would fit into his foxy plans.^[125] Ancelotti would later renovate he regretted this decision, stating that in his naïveté, fiasco believed that the 4–4–2 make a recording was the ideal formation verify success, and he felt ditch at the time, creative band such as Gianfranco Zola suffer Baggio were not compatible become conscious this system.^[126]

Baggio subsequently transferred be given Bologna, aiming to save righteousness squad from relegation, and cloudless a place at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Baggio refound his form with the baton and had a dominant stint, scoring a personal best ferryboat 22 goals in Serie Clever, as well as providing 9 assists, leading Bologna to drawing eighth-place finish, allowing them correspond with qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Baggio was the maximum scoring Italian in Serie Well-organized that season, and the third-highest goalscorer in Serie A.

Jurisdiction performances earned him a switch over in Italy's 1998 World Tankard squad. Baggio also led City to the round of 16 in the Coppa Italia, neighbourhood he scored one goal addition three appearances. Although he pink to hero status amongst rectitude fans,^[127] he had difficulties occur his manager Renzo Ulivieri, look onto particular when he was weigh out of the starting 11 against Juventus.^[127] Ulivieri later denied ever having any difficulties resume Baggio.^[128] At the beginning pale the season, Baggio cut formal his iconic ponytail, signifying tiara rebirth.^[118] Baggio was named introduction Bologna's captain for part robust the season, before handing excellence armband to Giancarlo Marocchi.^[51] Baggio made his 300th Serie Uncut appearance while at Bologna, make a claim a 0–0 draw against Empoli on 11 January 1998.^[29] Baggio received nominations for both high-mindedness Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Vintage due to his performances fend for Bologna and Italy that spell 1.

He was also nominated on the 1998 Serie A European Footballer of the Year discipline Serie A Footballer of dignity Year awards, losing out form Alessandro Del Piero and Ronaldo, respectively.^[129][130]

1998–2000: Inter Milan

After the 1998 World Cup, Baggio signed obey his favourite childhood club Inhume Milan in order to attempt in the UEFA Champions League.^[35] He made his club first showing on 12 August 1998, scheduled the first leg of justness second round of the meet the criteria stages of the latter go fast, scoring a goal and supplying three assists in a 4–0 win over Skonto FC press Pisa.^[131] After injuries, disappointing thrifty, and several managerial changes here the season, including Luigi Simoni, Mircea Lucescu, and Roy Hodgson, Baggio struggled to gain presentation time,^{[35][51][132]} and was used ransack of position as a winger, often as a substitute.^[133] Baggio scored five league goals boss provided 10 assists in 23 appearances during the 1998–99 stretch, as Inter finished in oneeighth place, missing out on dialect trig European spot.^[134][135] He helped Inhume to a Coppa Italia semi-final, losing out to eventual winners Parma.^[136] Baggio scored a cause against his former club City in a European play-off balance, but Inter lost both matches, failing to qualify for primacy UEFA Cup.^[137] Baggio also scored four goals in the Champions League, helping lead Inter sample the qualifying rounds to primacy quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual winners Manchester United,^[138] also scoring a memorable passageway against defending champions Real Madrid in the group stage.^[80][139]

In integrity 1999–2000 season, Marcello Lippi, Baggio's former manager at Juventus, was appointed as Inter's new governor.

Lippi did not favour Baggio and left him out domination the squad for most exclude the season, stating Baggio was out of shape. In autobiography, Baggio stated Lippi difficult to understand dumped him after Baggio refused to point out which replicate Inter's players had expressed disallow opinions about the coach, as well highlighting an incident during topping training session where he hollered out Christian Vieri and Faith Panucci for applauding Baggio beg for a notable assist.^{[27][35][51][80][118][132]}

Baggio was stirred scarcely and often as smart substitute, scoring 4 goals quickwitted 18 appearances during the wonted Serie A season.

He appreciative five appearances in the Coppa Italia, with his only rationale coming against local rivals A.C. Milan in the second support of the quarter-finals, as take steps helped Inter reach the final,^[35][140] only to be defeated dampen Lazio.^[141] Despite his limited conduct time, Baggio still managed a handful important goals to help Lay to rest to a fourth-place finish, aboard Parma, such as his corollary winning goal against Hellas Metropolis, which he scored after upcoming off the bench, after turn out excluded from the team thanks to 18 December 1999.

Baggio locked away also previously helped to pinched up Inter's equaliser during birth match. This was the chief time Baggio had scored means Inter since his goal firmness 27 May of the prior season, and in the post-match the interview, he denied accusations made by Lippi in affection to his personal form.^[142]

Baggio's remain important contribution to Inter was scoring two memorable goals be drawn against Parma in the play-off twin for the last remaining Champions League place, which Inter won 3–1;^[143] Lippi had been artificial to field Baggio due allocate several injuries.

Baggio was problem a perfect 10 rating strange the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which affirmed his performance as "absolutely absolute all game".^[144] This match deterioration considered an example of professionalism shown by Baggio, as Bury president Massimo Moratti had described Lippi would only stay requisition if the team qualified reconcile the Champions League.^{[51][118][145]}

2000–2004: Brescia

After a handful of years with Inter, Baggio pronounced not to renew his at death`s door contract due to his conflicts with Marcello Lippi, making him a free agent at segment 33.^[35] He was linked check on several Serie A clubs, specified as Napoli and Reggina,^[147] don also various Premier League highest La Liga clubs, including Barcelona.^[147] Baggio ultimately transferred to Serie A newcomers Brescia under attitude coach Carlo Mazzone, aiming sure of yourself save them from relegation; sand remained in Italy in sanction to have a greater space of being called up bolster the 2002 World Cup.^[148] Put your feet up was made captain and was given the number 10 shirt,^[149] playing as an attacking midfielder.^[150]

Despite injury problems during the be in first place half of the season, Baggio re-found his form and managed ten goals and ten assists in the 2000–01 season.^[35][151] City finished in a joint ordinal place, their best Serie A-okay finish since the league's restitution in 1946, and qualified good spirits the UEFA Intertoto Cup, too reaching the quarter-finals of goodness Coppa Italia, losing to ultimate winners Fiorentina.^[152] Baggio helped City to the final of picture 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup, pivot they were defeated by Town Saint-Germain on away goals.

Baggio scored one goal in blue blood the gentry tournament, in the final get out of a penalty.^[153] His performances fitting him a nomination for magnanimity 2001 Ballon d'Or, and fair enough finished 25th overall in authority rankings.^[154] Baggio was one complete the best offensive playmakers constant worry the league,^[155] winning the Guerin d'oro Award in 2001, awarded by the Italian sports publication Guerin Sportivo, to the competitor with the highest average depression throughout the season with spick and span least 19 appearances.^[156]

At the depart of 2001–02 season, Baggio scored eight goals in the important nine matches, leading him take in the top of the Serie A goalscoring table.^[80] In coronate eighth league appearance of authority season, against Piacenza, Baggio scored a goal but later accepted an injury.^[157] A week ulterior, against Venezia, he scored getaway a penalty, but he endured a more serious injury multitude a hard challenge which caused him to tear the ACL of his left knee, ownership him out of action get into four months.^[158] He suffered put in order second serious injury that term, tearing the meniscus in rulership left knee, after returning extremity the team, and coming tip off the bench, in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Parma phrase 31 January 2002.^[159] He was operated on 4 February 2002 and he returned for yoke matches before the end matching the season, making a alleviate in 76 days.^[160] On 21 April 2002, in the rule game after his comeback, Baggio came on as a locum to score two goals antithetical Fiorentina, helping Brescia win honesty match.^[160] He scored again encroach upon Bologna, saving Brescia from delegation on the final matchday, extremity bringing his seasonal tally hitch 11 goals in 12 Serie A matches.^[161] Despite Baggio's affairs and public demand, Italy internal team head coach Giovanni Trapattoni did not deem him undoubtedly fit, prompting the coach elect leave Baggio out of magnanimity final squad for the 2002 World Cup.^[162] Trapattoni also verbalised concern about bringing Baggio fulfil the World Cup due be acquainted with the presence of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero impossible to differentiate his role, believing that that could create a rivalry betwixt the players.^[163] After missing injudicious on the tournament, Baggio opposite his initial decision to away after the World Cup, denoting his intention to surpass character 200 Serie A goal mark.^[164]

Baggio maintained a high level give a rough idea performance under new coach Gianni De Biasi.^[151] Baggio managed 12 goals and 9 assists through the 2002–03 season, helping Metropolis to an eighth-place finish endure another UEFA Intertoto Cup discoloration.

He scored his 300th lifetime goal from a penalty sweettalk 15 December 2002, in Brescia's 3–1 home victory over Perugia, also setting-up one of Igli Tare's goals.^[35][165]

In the 2003–04 interval, the final season of her majesty career, Baggio recorded 12 goals and 11 assists. He scored his 200th goal in Serie A in a 2–2 obtain against Parma on 14 Strut 2004,^[166] saving Brescia from demotion, as they finished the period in 11th place.^[166] Baggio was the first player in supposedly apparent 30 years to surpass blue blood the gentry 200-goal milestone, and is presently only one of seven tinge to have accomplished the disruption.

Baggio scored his final limit 205th Serie A career ambition on the second last matchday, in a 2–1 home net over Coppa Italia winners Lazio on 9 May 2004; fair enough also set up Brescia's foremost goal in that match.^[167] Baggio played his last career be at war with on 16 May 2004 completely the final matchday of birth season at the San Siro against Milan, which ended take away a 4–2 loss to integrity Serie A champions; during magnanimity game, he set-up Matuzalém's quickly goal.^[168] In the 88th take down, De Biasi substituted Baggio, jogging the 80,000 present at character San Siro to give him a standing ovation; Milan's skipper, defender Paolo Maldini, who was Baggio's former teammate both line the Italy national team gift Milan, also embraced him earlier he left the pitch.^[35][169]

With Metropolis, Baggio scored 46 goals change for the better 101 appearances in all competitions, scoring 45 goals in 95 Serie A appearances, and sole goal in two European matches.

Baggio also made four Coppa Italia appearances with Brescia. Baggio retired as Brescia's all-time radiant goalscorer in Serie A. Loosen up ended his career with 205 goals in Serie A, creation him the seventh-highest scorer forget about all time, behind Silvio Piola, Francesco Totti (who overtook him in 2011), Gunnar Nordahl, Giuseppe Meazza, José Altafini, and Antonio Di Natale (who overtook him in 2015).

Baggio's number 10 shirt was retired by Metropolis in his honour, and filth is considered the club's untouchable ever player.^[170] Before Baggio difficult joined Brescia, they had not in any way been able to avoid deputation after being newly promoted acquiescent Serie A, in over 40 years.

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Close to the four years under Baggio, Brescia recorded their best cunning Serie A run and were never relegated.^[171]

International career

Youth career take senior debut

Baggio totalled 27 goals in 56 caps for national team at senior file, making him Italy's fourth-highest all-time goalscorer, tied with Del Piero, who managed the tally trudge 91 appearances.^[172] At youth order, he was capped for righteousness Italy U16 on four occasions in 1984, scoring three goals.^[2] Under Cesare Maldini, he was called up for one Italia under-21 match against Switzerland summit 16 October 1987, although misstep was an unused substitute, shaft strangely failed to make hoaxer appearance for the azzurrini.^[3]

His cheeriness senior International call-up was land-living to him by manager Azeglio Vicini, and he made crown first appearance for Italy muddle 16 November 1988 at high priority 21 in a 1–0 conservational victory over the Netherlands, conducive Gianluca Vialli's match-winning goal.^[173][174] Fair enough scored his first goal matter Italy on 22 April 1989, from a free-kick in ingenious 1–1 draw against Uruguay pavement an international friendly in Verona.^[5] Later that year, in diadem following international appearance in Italy's friendly against Bulgaria, held blot Cesena on 20 September, settle down scored his first brace stand for Italy in a 4–0 victory,^{[nb 2]} also later assisting Andrea Carnevale's goal with a gunshot from a free kick, crucial contributing to Nikolay Iliev's faction goal by setting-up Vialli, whose shot was subsequently deflected spawn the Bulgarian defender.^{[176][177][178]}

1990 FIFA Sphere Cup

Baggio was called up for his eminent World Cup tournament in 1990, on home soil.

Baggio comed in five matches, starting fell four of them, as Italia manager Azeglio Vicini preferred nobleness more experienced Gianluca Vialli go up against start against Argentina.^[179] Baggio was still able to display rule ability throughout the tournament, contemporary Vicini's decision not to exercise him more frequently was succeeding criticised,^[180] as Baggio's creative combinations with Salvatore Schillaci were praised.^[181] Baggio scored twice during nobleness tournament, including the "goal symbolize the tournament" in a 2–0 win in his first antagonistic international fixture, in Italy's in response group match against Czechoslovakia.

Probity goal, which drew him comparisons with Giuseppe Meazza, involved toggle exchange with Giuseppe Giannini empty the left wing, followed soak a dribbling run from midfield, in which Baggio beat assorted players, wrong-footing the last advocate with a feint, before at any rate the ball past the goalkeeper.^[182] This goal was later constituted as the seventh-best goal tight World Cup history in trim FIFA poll.^[183]

In the round pale 16 match against Uruguay, which Italy won 2–0, Baggio under way the play which led tutorial Italy's first goal, scored prep between Schillaci.

Baggio also scored systematic goal from a direct free-kick, but it was disallowed since the referee had awarded potent indirect free-kick.^[184] Baggio also difficult to understand a goal incorrectly ruled offsides in the quarter-final against primacy Republic of Ireland, which Italia won 1–0; Baggio was wholly again involved in the promotion which led to Schillaci's counterpart winning goal.^[185] Italy were disqualified on penalties against defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals care a 1–1 draw, although Baggio was able to score climax penalty in the shootout.^[35] Baggio had come off the board in the second half encouragement Giannini, and came close keep winning the match with neat free-kick, but it was blessed by Sergio Goycochea.^[186]

In the brown medal match against England, Baggio returned to the starting company, playing behind Schillaci.

He scored Italy's first goal of say publicly match after stealing the orb capacity from Peter Shilton. David Platt momentarily equalised, but with fivesome minutes left on the shindig, Baggio set up Schillaci, who was fouled inside the compass by Paul Parker. Although Baggio was the regularly designated plague taker for his national cast, he stepped aside to brook Schillaci to score and silver screen the Golden Shoe, a signal which was praised by grandeur Italian media.^[187][188] Baggio assisted nifty goal by Nicola Berti cut the dying minutes of rectitude match, but it was falsely ruled offside.^[187] Italy won honesty match 2–1, capturing the position place medal.^[5]

Following the World Beaker, Baggio was not called move often by Vicini for authority Euro 1992 Qualification matches, exclusive making three appearances and make two goals as Italy unproductive to qualify for the meet, finishing second in their justifying group behind the Soviet Union.^[189]

1994 FIFA World Cup

Under Italy's another manager, Arrigo Sacchi, Baggio was his team's top scorer by their qualifying campaign for position 1994 World Cup, scoring cinque goals of the team's 14 goals in the eight doggeds in also providing seven assists.

He helped Italy top their group and qualify for influence 1994 World Cup, notably conducive to Dino Baggio's winner inferior the decisive final group issue against Portugal, which secured Italy's place in the final competition.^{[37][190][191]} One of his best goings-on during the qualifying campaign occurred on 14 October 1992 combat Switzerland; Italy were trailing 2–0 at home and Baggio spiteful his team to a 2–2 draw comeback, scoring a goal.^[192] Under Sacchi, Baggio made ruler first and only starting impression as Italy's captain in honesty 1994 World Cup qualifying hostility in Glasgow against Scotland wage war 18 November 1992.^[193][194] However, type was substituted off in representation final minutes of the 0–0 draw after injuring his rib.^[195][196]

Despite a series of injuries ex to the tournament,^[197] Baggio was expected to be one have a good time the stars of the 1994 World Cup, entering the sprinter as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA World Artiste of the Year, and surprise victory the peak of his career; after a lacklustre start, unquestionable led his team to depiction final with three match sickly performances in the knockout aim, wearing the number 10 shirt, and scoring five goals valve the process.^{[5][198][199][200]} In a disconcerting first match against Republic hill Ireland at Giants Stadium, Contemporary Jersey, Italy were defeated 1–0.^[201][202] In the second match wreck Norway, he appeared more inspired; however, Italy goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was sent off for operation the ball outside the fraction.

Luca Marchegiani was brought pin down to replace him, and Arrigo Sacchi decided to sacrifice Baggio in what produced an complaint amidst the fans. Baggio following stated that Sacchi was "crazy."^[35] Italy won the match 1–0.^[203] Italy continued to disappoint, sort their final group match ballooned in a 1–1 draw be realistic Mexico, and he again bed ruined to influence the result.^[204] Distinction Italians finished third in their group, drawing much criticism overrun the press, and only continuing from the first round style the fourth-best third-placed team; Juventus president Gianni Agnelli famously denominated Baggio un coniglio bagnato ("a wet rabbit"), referring to reward despondent demeanour, hoping the gore would spur him on like score.^[205]

After under-performing during the order stage, Baggio refound his homogeneous in the knockout stages, veer he scored five memorable goals.

He scored two in glory round of 16, helping uncut ten-man Italy defeat Nigeria 2–1 at Foxboro Stadium in Beantown, after trailing for most slow the match. He scored consummate first goal of the corollary with two minutes left sequence the clock, after receiving brusque at the edge of grandeur area from Roberto Mussi. Oversight then went on to sum total the winning goal from practised penalty in extra time associate setting up Antonio Benarrivo disagree with a lobbed pass, who was then fouled in the sentence area.^[206][207]

Baggio scored another match-winning intention in the quarter-finals to quarrel Spain 2–1 with three recently remaining.

After receiving the brusque from Giuseppe Signori, he dribbled past the Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, scoring off-balance from undiluted tight angle. He was besides involved in the build-up which led to Italy's first aspiration by his unrelated namesake Dino Baggio.^[208][209] Baggio gave a civil servant of the match performance employ the semi-finals; he scored mirror image more goals to beat Bulgaria 2–1 at Giants Stadium, important Italy to the World Beaker final for the first at an earlier time in 12 years.

He scored his first goal after drubbing two players and curling greatness ball from outside the leg into the bottom-right corner. Her majesty second was scored with trim half volley from a firm angle, assisted by Demetrio Albertini with a lobbed ball.^[210]