Italy international hospitalized after being robbed, assaulted at gunpoint

Former Italian football star Roberto Baggio was robbed and assaulted at gunpoint in his northern Italy residence, according to local police.

Reuters reports that the incident occurred on Thursday evening, while Baggio was watching the Italy-Spain Euro 2024 match with his family. The perpetrators took advantage of the situation, stealing valuables from Baggio’s home.

According to reports, a group of at least five armed individuals forcibly entered Roberto Baggio’s villa in Altavilla Vicentina, northern Italy, at 10pm local time.

The intruders allegedly struck Baggio on the head with a gun butt, then confined him and his family to a room while they proceeded to steal valuable items, including jewelry, watches, and cash, as reported by Il Corriere della Sera.

The legend was said to have suffered a deep wound.

Reports indicate that Roberto Baggio, the former Ballon d’Or winner, courageously tried to confront the intruders, but one of them responded by striking him on the head with the butt of a gun.

Once the danger had passed, Baggio managed to break free from the room where he and his family were being held and promptly contacted the authorities to report the incident.

He was taken to hospital in Arzignano where he received stitches to his forehead, local sources reported. His family members were not harmed.

Baggio, 57, had a sterling career playing for top-tier clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. He also made 56 appearances for the Italian national team, netting 27 goals, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Italy’s football history.