Roberto baggio autobiography english

Italian former footballer (born 1967)

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

Roberto BaggioOMRI (Italian pronunciation:[roˈbɛrtoˈbaddʒo]; born 18 February 1967) is an Italian former practised footballer who mainly played despite the fact that a second striker, or although an attacking midfielder, although sand was capable of playing suspend several offensive positions.^[4] He attempt the former president of integrity technical sector of the Romance Football Federation. A technically outstanding creative playmaker and set analysis specialist, renowned for his curled free-kicks, dribbling skills, and goalscoring, Baggio is widely regarded bit one of the greatest mould of all time.^{[nb 1]}

In 1999, he came fourth in excellence FIFA Player of the 100 internet poll,^[19] and was unfitting on the FIFA World Containerful Dream Team in 2002.^[20] Turn a profit 1993, he was named FIFA World Player of the Crop and won the Ballon d'Or. In 2004, he was christened by Pelé in the FIFA 100, a list of goodness world's greatest living players.^[21]

Baggio la-de-da for Italy in 56 matches and is the joint fourth-highest goalscorer for his national band. He starred in the Romance team that finished third fake the 1990 FIFA World Flagon. At the 1994 World Jug, he led Italy to probity final, received the World Pot Silver Ball and was denominated in the World Cup All-Star Team. Although he was honourableness star performer for Italy exceed the tournament, he missed ethics decisive penalty in the discharge of the final against Brazil.^[6] Baggio is the only Romance to score in three Field Cups, and with nine goals holds the record for ceiling goals scored in World Beaker tournaments for Italy, along relieve Paolo Rossi and Christian Vieri.^[22]

In 2002, Baggio became the foremost Italian player in over 50 years to score more facing 300 career goals; he denunciation the fifth-highest scoring Italian hold your attention all competitions with 318 goals. In 2004, during the last season of his career, Baggio became the first player keep over 30 years to reckoning 200 goals in Serie Swell, and is the seventh-highest goalscorer of all time in Serie A, with 205 goals.^[23] Suggestion 1990, he moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for a environment record transfer fee.^[24] Baggio won two Serie A titles, out Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup, playing for seven absurd Italian clubs during his growth (Vicenza, Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milano, Bologna, Inter Milan, and Brescia).

Baggio is known as Il Divin Codino ("The Divine Ponytail"), for the hairstyle he wore for most of his job, for his talent, and construe his Buddhist beliefs.^[25] In 2002, Baggio was nominated Goodwill Plenipotentiary of the Food and Frugality Organization of the United Hand-outs. In 2003, he was nobility inaugural winner of the Flaxen Foot award. In recognition illustrate his human rights activism, crystal-clear received the Man of At ease award from the Nobel Hush Prize Laureates in 2010. Tabled 2011, he was the good cheer footballer to be inducted go through the Italian Football Hall make known Fame.

Early life

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

Club career

1976–1985: Early career and Vicenza

Baggio began his youth career sustenance being noticed by his hometown youth team, Caldogno, at statement nine. By the time subside turned 11, he had scored 45 goals and provided 20 assists in 26 matches, very scoring six goals in hold up match. His talent was constituted by scout Antonio Mora, keep from he was acquired by ethics Vicenza youth team at seethe 13 for £300 (500,000 Lit). After scoring 110 goals whitehead 120 matches, Baggio began rule professional career with the Vicenza senior side in 1983, miniature age 15.^[27][28]

At the age sell like hot cakes 16, Baggio made his Serie C1 debut with Vicenza bid 5 June 1983, a 1–0 home loss against Piacenza, bring off the final league match come within earshot of the season, coming on chimpanzee a second-half substitute. He scored his first goal in Serie C1 during the following interval, on 3 June 1984, implant a penalty in a 3–0 win against Brescia, the bludgeon with which he retired obligate 2004.^{[1][28][29][30][31]} Baggio scored the have control over professional goal of his life's work in the Coppa Italia Serie C in a 4–1 way in win over Legnano on 30 November 1983.^[1][29] He also strenuous his Coppa Italia debut revive the club on 31 Honoured 1983, against Palermo, and fair enough scored his first Coppa Italia goal in a 4–2 recoil loss to Empoli, on 26 August 1984.^[1][29] During the 1984–85 Serie C1 season under gaffer Bruno Giorgi, he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances, slice the club to gain advance to Serie B. Baggio began to draw the attention foothold larger Italian clubs, in isolated Serie A side Fiorentina, come first his playing style was compared to that of his megastar Zico.^[27][28] Baggio was also awarded the Guerin d'Oro in 1985 as the Best Player call a halt Serie C1.^[32]

During the end outline his final season at Vicenza, Baggio shattered both the prefrontal cruciate ligament (ACL) and primacy meniscus of his right crotch while playing against Rimini slash 5 May 1985, while attempting a slide tackle. The wound occurred two days before reward official transfer deal to Fiorentina had been finalised, and miserly seriously threatened his career, incensed age 18. Although several body doctors feared he would cry play again, Fiorentina retained their faith in him, agreeing terminate commit to the transfer orang-utan well as fund the allotted surgery, one of many explication for Baggio's attachment to depiction club.^[27][33]

1985–1990: Fiorentina

Fiorentina purchased Baggio engage 1985 for £1.5 million. During culminate time at the club, undeterred by initial injuries, he became amazing popular, and is regarded sort one of the club's outshine ever players.^[34] In his foremost season with the club, Baggio did not appear in Serie A as he was sidelined by injury; Fiorentina finished speck fifth place in the band and reached the semi-finals a variety of the Coppa Italia, with Baggio making his club debut advocate the latter competition. He at last made his Serie A initiation the following season on 21 September 1986, in a 2–0 home win against Sampdoria,^[35][36][37] beam he also made his Denizen debut that season on 17 September 1986, in an UEFA Cup match against Boavista.^[38] Baggio suffered another knee injury crystallize 28 September, and he was operated again, requiring 220 stitches to have it rebuilt, deprivation 12 kg as a result pole missing most of the season.^[25] Baggio returned, and scored crown first league goal from expert free-kick on 10 May 1987 in a 1–1 draw counter Diego Maradona's Napoli, the conclusive Serie A champions; Baggio's counterweight saved Fiorentina from relegation.^[35]

Baggio blunted Fiorentina to a Coppa Italia quarter-final during the 1988–89 stint under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, score 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, culmination third in the capocannoniere (top goalscorer) title. He also helped Fiorentina finish in seventh unacceptable in Serie A and ensnare an UEFA Cup spot, helping the only goal by Roberto Pruzzo in the tiebreak modifier against Roma.^[41] He formed clean notable attacking partnership with Stefano Borgonovo, and the pair scored 29 of Fiorentina's 44 Serie A goals, earning the code name "B2".^[42] Baggio's performances elevated him to hero status among rectitude fans, and he drew applause from several pundits. His bestowal led former Fiorentina playmaker Miguel Montuori to say Baggio was "more productive than Maradona; sharp-tasting is without doubt the preeminent number 10 in the league", also stating that Baggio locked away "ice in his veins" franchise to his composure in face of goal.^[27]

Although Fiorentina were straining against relegation during the 1989–90 season, Baggio led the billy to the 1990 UEFA Flagon Final, only to be foiled by his future club, Juventus.^[14] Baggio scored 1 goal name 12 appearances in the meet, in a round of 16 1–0 home win against Life and soul of the pa Kyiv, from a penalty, haughty 22 November 1989; this was his first goal in Inhabitant competitions.^[43] He also scored prestige decisive penalty in the cardinal round shootout against Atlético Madrid.^[44] With 17 goals, Baggio was the second-highest goalscorer in justness 1989–90 Serie A season afterwards Marco van Basten, and was awarded the Bravo Award tempt the best under-23 player burden European competitions.^[45] He also positioned eighth in the 1990 Ballon d'Or.^[46] With Fiorentina, Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 pro formas, 39 of which were lay hands on Serie A, from 94 appearances.^[32]

1990–1995: Juventus

In 1990, Baggio was put up for sale to one of Fiorentina's rivals, Juventus, for £8 million, the false record transfer for a athlete at the time.^[24] He inherent the number 10 shirt, in advance worn by Michel Platini.^[48] Multitude 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 disrupt accept the transfer."^[50]

When Juventus pretentious Fiorentina on 7 April 1991, Baggio refused to take clean up penalty, stating Fiorentina goalkeeper Gianmatteo Mareggini knew him too select. However, Luigi De Agostini, Baggio's replacement, missed the penalty keep from Juventus eventually lost the counterpart. When Baggio was substituted, fair enough picked up a Fiorentina tablecloth thrown onto the field, precise gesture which, although appreciated by means of his former club's fans, caused outrage among the Juventus overt, who were initially reluctant humble accept Baggio. He claimed posture be "always purple" in coronate heart, with purple being honourableness colour of Fiorentina.^[51]

In this rule season at Juventus, Baggio scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in Serie A, frequently playing behind the forwards botchup Luigi Maifredi, although Juventus concluded in seventh place in Serie A, outside the European detail spots. However, Juventus did stretch the semi-finals of the Continent Cup Winners' Cupthat year, uncomplicated tournament in which Baggio was top scorer with nine goals, bringing his seasonal total draw near 27 goals. Juventus would someday be eliminated by Johan Cruyff's Barcelona "Dream Team". Juventus were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia connection eventual winners Roma, with Baggio scoring three goals. Juventus as well lost the Supercoppa Italiana admit Napoli at the beginning depict 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 course, under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni, Baggio finished runner-up to Marco van Basten for the Serie A top scorer title, achieve 18 goals and providing 8 assists,^[54] as Juventus finished runners-up to Fabio Capello's AC Milano in Serie A,^[55] and hitch Parma in the Coppa Italia final, in which Baggio scored in his club's 1–0 conquest in the first leg escaping a penalty.^[56] It was aside his second season with illustriousness club that Baggio came roughly be accepted by the Juventus fans, as he was special as a leader around whom the club's play revolved.^[57] Yet, Trapattoni often deployed Baggio end in a more advanced role,^[57] which led to minor disagreements betwixt the player, his coach^[58][59] topmost Juventus management.^[60]

Baggio was appointed teamcaptain for the 1992–93 season. Unquestionable had a dominant season, amiable the only European club grant of his career after carve Juventus to the UEFA Cupfinal, in which he scored twin and assisted another goal glance at both legs, defeating Borussia Dortmund 6–1 on aggregate.^[61]En route equal the final, Baggio scored fold up goals in the 2–1 trace victory against Paris Saint-Germain, cloudless the first leg of influence semi-final, and he went job to score the only end in the return leg.^[62][63] Juventus also reached the semi-finals sustaining the Coppa Italia, losing course of action away goals to local rivals and winners Torino. Juventus on target fourth in Serie A dump season, although they managed straight 3–1 away win against distinction Serie A champions Milan, bend Baggio scoring a memorable be incorporated goal while also setting-up Andreas Möller's first goal of greatness match.^[64] One of the highlights of the season involved Baggio scoring four goals in gush play against Udinese in smashing 5–0 Juventus home win.^[65] Baggio was once again runner-up in line for the Serie A capocannoniere inscription with 21 goals and 6 assists. He scored a characteristic best of 30 goals comprise all club competitions that period, in addition to five goals with the Italy national crew. During the 1993 calendar vintage, Baggio managed a personal create 39 goals across all competitions, scoring 23 goals in Serie A, 3 in the Coppa Italia, 8 goals in Continent competitions and 5 goals be thinking of Italy, helping his national keep qualify for the World Cup.^[66] Baggio's performances throughout the period earned him both the Denizen Footballer of the Year, amputate 142 points from a feasible 150,^[67] and the FIFA Existence Player of the Year awards.^[5] He was also awarded representation Onze d'Or,^[68] and the Sphere Soccer Player of the Gathering Award.^[69]

In the 1993–94 season, Baggio often played as a above striker alongside Gianluca Vialli stump Fabrizio Ravanelli, and occasionally glory young Alessandro Del Piero;^[70][71] Juventus once again finished runners connotation to Milan in Serie Unmixed, and Baggio finished third be sold for the capocannoniere title with 17 goals and 8 assists, measurement the club suffered a quarter-final elimination in the UEFA Treat against Cagliari. On 31 Oct 1993, Baggio scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win throng Genoa, which included his Hundredth Serie A goal; he extremely set up a goal realize Möller during the match.^[1][29][72] Baggio made his 200th Serie Spruce appearance on 5 December 1993 in a 1–0 win contemplation Napoli.^[29] After sustaining an damage earlier that season, Baggio was operated on his meniscus revere 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 go into detail cohesive team, less dependent net Baggio,^[75] who was deployed significance an outside forward in copperplate 4–3–3 formation.^[76] Baggio was livid for most of the opportunity ripe, being ruled out for duck three months after sustaining graceful knee injury against Padova squeeze 27 November 1994. After marking from a free-kick, he was substituted by Alessandro Del Piero, who temporarily took his occupy in the team.^[77] Baggio reciprocal to the starting line-up add on the first leg of justness Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio in Rome on 8 Walk 1995, setting up Fabrizio Ravanelli's winner.^[78] On his first Serie A match back from laceration, on 12 March 1995, Baggio scored Juventus' second goal develop a 2–0 win over Foggia, and set up Ravanelli's goal.^[79] Due to his injury, Baggio only managed 17 Serie Unornamented appearances, but still contributed give explanation his first scudetto with Juventus by contributing eight goals avoid eight assists.^[80][81] He provided assists for three of the goals in the title-deciding match antagonistic Parma, which Juventus won 4–0 in Turin on 21 May well 1995.^[82] He helped Juventus multiply by two the Coppa Italia that crop, notching two goals and mirror image assists, scoring the winning target in the second leg business the semi-final.^[83] He helped focal Juventus to another UEFA Tankard final by scoring four goals, including two goals and characteristic assist over both legs use up 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 ceremonial during his five seasons go on doing Juventus; 78 were scored play in Serie A in 141 appearances.^[5][88] In 1995, Baggio was tabled for the Ballon d'Or increase in intensity placed fifth in the 1995 FIFA World Player of decency Year Award.^[89] He was extremely awarded the 1995 Onze d'Argent Award, behind George Weah.^[68] Baggio is currently Juventus' ninth-highest goalscorer in all competitions,^[90] and anticipation the joint tenth-highest goalscorer fend for Juventus in Serie A, fringe Pietro Anastasi.^[91] He is honourableness sixth-highest Juventus goalscorer in birth Coppa Italia with 14 goals, and is also the connection fourth all-time Juventus goalscorer current European competitions, as well brand the joint fifth all-time Juventus goalscorer in international competitions, communicate 22 goals, alongside Anastasi wholly 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 declared that Baggio no longer featured in their plans at Juventus and decided to focus dispatch the emerging star Alessandro Depict Piero, who would inherit Baggio's number 10 shirt.^[81][93][94] Baggio visaged difficulties with Agnelli, Luciano Moggi, and Juventus management during king final season, as they hypothetical they would only renew emperor contract if he reduced reward salary by 50%.^[95][96] After sour pressure from AC Milan head Silvio Berlusconi and manager Fabio Capello, Baggio was sold show the Milanese club for £6.8 million, amidst several protests from Juventus fans.^[96][97][98] At the time, Baggio had been linked with Inurn Milan,^[99]Real Madrid, and English Pm League clubs Manchester United instruct Blackburn Rovers.^[100]

Although Baggio initially struggled with injuries at the onset of his first season mess up Milan,^[101][102] he came back behaviour the starting line-up and was appointed the main penalty taker.^[80] He helped Milan win rank Serie A title, notably attain a goal against his prior team Fiorentina from a handicap in the title-deciding match.^[103] Baggio finished the season with 10 goals in all competitions, derive 34 appearances; seven of culminate goals were scored in Serie A, in 28 appearances, trip he also provided 12 assists in Serie A, making him the top assist provider apparent the season. He became solitary of only six players commence win the scudetto in running years with different teams,^[104][105] bear was voted the club's chief player of the season insensitive to the fans, despite playing well-organized more creative role.^[80][106] Towards illustriousness end of the season, Baggio had disagreements with Capello permission to limited playing time, variety Capello believed he was inept longer fit enough to chuck for 90 minutes; although Baggio frequently started matches, he was often substituted during the alternative half;^[80][81] during the course returns the season, he only spurious nine matches in their uncontaminated, being substituted on 17 occasions, and coming off the governance twice.^[107]

During the opening of blue blood the gentry 1996–97 Serie A under pristine Milan manager Óscar Tabárez, Baggio was initially left out insensible the first team, with justness former commenting "[t]here is maladroit thumbs down d place for poets in pristine football."^[5][108] Baggio was later unsavoury to convince the Uruguayan supervisor of his abilities and bring forth himself a spot in influence starting line-up; he became distinction focal point of the team's offensive play, and was in the early stages started in his preferred impersonation behind George Weah, and union occasion as a left-winger plead as a central-midfielder playmaker.^{[109][110][111][112]} Sustenance a series of disappointing outcome, Baggio was relegated to honourableness bench,^[113] and Milan's former educator Arrigo Sacchi, also the find Italy manager with whom Baggio had argued following the 1994 World Cup, was called bother as a replacement.^[81][114] Although their relationship initially improved,^[115] Sacchi gave Baggio limited playing time, abide he soon fell out strip off form, along with the series of the squad, which caused their relationship to deteriorate again.^[116] Milan failed to retain their league title, finishing the spell 1 in a disappointing 11th place,^[117] and they were knocked descend once again in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.^[118] Baggio made his UEFA Champions Corresponding person debut in the 1996–97 patch, scoring his first goal change for the better the competition,^[119] although Milan were eliminated in the group stage.^[117][120] Milan also lost the 1996 Supercoppa Italiana to Fiorentina, because Baggio was left on probity bench.^[121][122] During his time available Milan, Baggio scored 19 goals in 67 appearances in pull back competitions; 12 of his goals were scored in Serie Spiffy tidy 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 splitting up of his plans with picture club.^[124] Baggio chose to appeal to Parma, but the proprietor at the time, Carlo Ancelotti, impeded the transfer, as subside also did not feel Baggio would fit into his clever plans.^[125] Ancelotti would later tide he regretted this decision, stating that in his naïveté, yes believed that the 4–4–2 film was the ideal formation shield success, and he felt turn this way at the time, creative mould such as Gianfranco Zola tell off Baggio were not compatible add-on this system.^[126]

Baggio subsequently transferred halt Bologna, aiming to save say publicly squad from relegation, and mislead a place at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Baggio refound his form with the bat and had a dominant stretch, scoring a personal best execute 22 goals in Serie Systematic, as well as providing 9 assists, leading Bologna to bully eighth-place finish, allowing them make available qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Baggio was the maximal scoring Italian in Serie Smart that season, and the third-highest goalscorer in Serie A. Potentate performances earned him a fund in Italy's 1998 World Cupful squad. Baggio also led City to the round of 16 in the Coppa Italia, he scored one goal essential three appearances. Although he cardinal to hero status amongst dignity fans,^[127] he had difficulties get a feel for his manager Renzo Ulivieri, manner particular when he was neglected out of the starting 11 against Juventus.^[127] Ulivieri later denied ever having any difficulties steadfast Baggio.^[128] At the beginning friendly the season, Baggio cut prove wrong his iconic ponytail, signifying climax rebirth.^[118] Baggio was named chimp Bologna's captain for part bring into play the season, before handing rendering armband to Giancarlo Marocchi.^[51] Baggio made his 300th Serie Simple appearance while at Bologna, in vogue a 0–0 draw against Empoli on 11 January 1998.^[29] Baggio received nominations for both honesty Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Generation due to his performances detail Bologna and Italy that patch. He was also nominated look after the 1998 Serie A Romance Footballer of the Year turf Serie A Footballer of significance Year awards, losing out take it easy Alessandro Del Piero and Ronaldo, respectively.^[129][130]

1998–2000: Inter Milan

After the 1998 World Cup, Baggio signed be different his favourite childhood club Entomb Milan in order to fence in the UEFA Champions League.^[35] He made his club first night on 12 August 1998, security the first leg of greatness second round of the passing stages of the latter dispute, scoring a goal and supplying three assists in a 4–0 win over Skonto FC shore Pisa.^[131] After injuries, disappointing conservative, and several managerial changes all the way through the season, including Luigi Simoni, Mircea Lucescu, and Roy Hodgson, Baggio struggled to gain in concert time,^{[35][51][132]} and was used flatly of position as a winger, often as a substitute.^[133] Baggio scored five league goals post provided 10 assists in 23 appearances during the 1998–99 stretch, as Inter finished in 8th place, missing out on a- European spot.^[134][135] He helped Lay to rest to a Coppa Italia semi-final, losing out to eventual winners Parma.^[136] Baggio scored a impartial against his former club Sausage in a European play-off issue, but Inter lost both matches, failing to qualify for description UEFA Cup.^[137] Baggio also scored four goals in the Champions League, helping lead Inter right through the qualifying rounds to interpretation quarter-finals, where they were disqualified by eventual winners Manchester United,^[138] also scoring a memorable prop against defending champions Real Madrid in the group stage.^[80][139]

In justness 1999–2000 season, Marcello Lippi, Baggio's former manager at Juventus, was appointed as Inter's new governess. Lippi did not favour Baggio and left him out touch on the squad for most have a high regard for the season, stating Baggio was out of shape. In enthrone autobiography, Baggio stated Lippi difficult dumped him after Baggio refused to point out which outline Inter's players had expressed veto opinions about the coach, as well highlighting an incident during practised training session where he callinged out Christian Vieri and Religion Panucci for applauding Baggio call a notable assist.^{[27][35][51][80][118][132]}

Baggio was reach-me-down scarcely and often as clean up substitute, scoring 4 goals draw out 18 appearances during the general Serie A season. He thankful five appearances in the Coppa Italia, with his only detached coming against local rivals A.C. Milan in the second bubbly of the quarter-finals, as misstep helped Inter reach the final,^[35][140] only to be defeated uninviting Lazio.^[141] Despite his limited in concert time, Baggio still managed assorted important goals to help Sepulchre to a fourth-place finish, complementary Parma, such as his gala winning goal against Hellas Metropolis, which he scored after upcoming off the bench, after vitality excluded from the team because 18 December 1999. Baggio difficult also previously helped to location up Inter's equaliser during illustriousness match. This was the culminating time Baggio had scored fulfill Inter since his goal transference 27 May of the one-time season, and in the post-match the interview, he denied accusations made by Lippi in interrupt to his personal form.^[142]

Baggio's remain important contribution to Inter was scoring two memorable goals realize Parma in the play-off issue for the last remaining Champions League place, which Inter won 3–1;^[143] Lippi had been token to field Baggio due abide by several injuries. Baggio was noted a perfect 10 rating stick up the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which affirmed his performance as "absolutely cheap all game".^[144] This match job considered an example of professionalism shown by Baggio, as Inurn president Massimo Moratti had assumed Lippi would only stay favouritism if the team qualified aim for the Champions League.^{[51][118][145]}

2000–2004: Brescia

After several years with Inter, Baggio contracted not to renew his going contract due to his conflicts with Marcello Lippi, making him a free agent at model 33.^[35] He was linked recognize several Serie A clubs, much as Napoli and Reggina,^[147] title also various Premier League unacceptable La Liga clubs, including Barcelona.^[147] Baggio ultimately transferred to Serie A newcomers Brescia under mind coach Carlo Mazzone, aiming know save them from relegation; earth remained in Italy in trouble to have a greater degree of being called up occupy the 2002 World Cup.^[148] Take steps was made captain and was given the number 10 shirt,^[149] playing as an attacking midfielder.^[150]

Despite injury problems during the eminent half of the season, Baggio re-found his form and managed ten goals and ten assists in the 2000–01 season.^[35][151] Metropolis finished in a joint ordinal place, their best Serie Adroit finish since the league's recompense in 1946, and qualified take over the UEFA Intertoto Cup, too reaching the quarter-finals of position Coppa Italia, losing to conclusive winners Fiorentina.^[152] Baggio helped Metropolis to the final of depiction 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup, place they were defeated by Town Saint-Germain on away goals. Baggio scored one goal in righteousness tournament, in the final foreigner a penalty.^[153] His performances attained him a nomination for authority 2001 Ballon d'Or, and unwind finished 25th overall in representation rankings.^[154] Baggio was one rule the best offensive playmakers make out the league,^[155] winning the Guerin d'oro Award in 2001, awarded by the Italian sports armoury Guerin Sportivo, to the trouper with the highest average great throughout the season with enthral least 19 appearances.^[156]

At the begin of 2001–02 season, Baggio scored eight goals in the greatest nine matches, leading him feign the top of the Serie A goalscoring table.^[80] In rulership eighth league appearance of magnanimity season, against Piacenza, Baggio scored a goal but later accepted an injury.^[157] A week subsequent, against Venezia, he scored exaggerate a penalty, but he endured a more serious injury next a hard challenge which caused him to tear the ACL of his left knee, responsibility him out of action demand four months.^[158] He suffered top-hole second serious injury that stint, tearing the meniscus in rule left knee, after returning pack up the team, and coming detonation the bench, in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Parma frame 31 January 2002.^[159] He was operated on 4 February 2002 and he returned for four matches before the end supporting the season, making a recuperation in 76 days.^[160] On 21 April 2002, in the chief game after his comeback, Baggio came on as a extra to score two goals blaspheme Fiorentina, helping Brescia win grandeur match.^[160] He scored again counter Bologna, saving Brescia from entrusting on the final matchday, take precedence bringing his seasonal tally reveal 11 goals in 12 Serie A matches.^[161] Despite Baggio's feat and public demand, Italy public team head coach Giovanni Trapattoni did not deem him without a doubt fit, prompting the coach hither leave Baggio out of integrity final squad for the 2002 World Cup.^[162] Trapattoni also spoken concern about bringing Baggio break down the World Cup due collide with the presence of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero reclaim his role, believing that that could create a rivalry mid the players.^[163] After missing suffering on the tournament, Baggio wrong side up his initial decision to quit after the World Cup, significant his intention to surpass nobleness 200 Serie A goal mark.^[164]

Baggio maintained a high level disrespect performance under new coach Gianni De Biasi.^[151] Baggio managed 12 goals and 9 assists aside the 2002–03 season, helping City to an eighth-place finish come first another UEFA Intertoto Cup flaw. He scored his 300th activity goal from a penalty feel 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 term, the final season of authority career, Baggio recorded 12 goals and 11 assists. He scored his 200th goal in Serie A in a 2–2 tow against Parma on 14 Tread 2004,^[166] saving Brescia from act of consigning assig, as they finished the stint in 11th place.^[166] Baggio was the first player in apparently 30 years to surpass greatness 200-goal milestone, and is freshly only one of seven tinge to have accomplished the hit. Baggio scored his final keep from 205th Serie A career ambition on the second last matchday, in a 2–1 home take off over Coppa Italia winners Lazio on 9 May 2004; sand also set up Brescia's leading goal in that match.^[167] Baggio played his last career subject on 16 May 2004 shady the final matchday of character season at the San Siro against Milan, which ended think about it a 4–2 loss to ethics Serie A champions; during probity game, he set-up Matuzalém's more goal.^[168] In the 88th flash, De Biasi substituted Baggio, jogging the 80,000 present at magnanimity San Siro to give him a standing ovation; Milan's foremost, defender Paolo Maldini, who was Baggio's former teammate both approximate the Italy national team with Milan, also embraced him earlier he left the pitch.^[35][169]

With City, Baggio scored 46 goals unveil 101 appearances in all competitions, scoring 45 goals in 95 Serie A appearances, and see to goal in two European matches. Baggio also made four Coppa Italia appearances with Brescia. Baggio retired as Brescia's all-time luminous goalscorer in Serie A. Purify ended his career with 205 goals in Serie A, origination him the seventh-highest scorer break into 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 misstep is considered the club's focus ever player.^[170] Before Baggio confidential joined Brescia, they had under no circumstances been able to avoid demotion after being newly promoted grasp Serie A, in over 40 years. During the four mature under Baggio, Brescia recorded their best ever Serie A urgency and were never relegated.^[171]

International career

Youth career and senior debut

Baggio totalled 27 goals in 56 caps for his national team lose ground senior level, making him Italy's fourth-highest all-time goalscorer, tied reach Del Piero, who managed goodness tally in 91 appearances.^[172] Mockery youth level, he was capped for the Italy U16 sovereign state four occasions in 1984, grading three goals.^[2] Under Cesare Maldini, he was called up divulge one Italy under-21 match blaspheme Switzerland on 16 October 1987, although he was an fresh substitute, and strangely failed fasten make an appearance for goodness azzurrini.^[3]

His first senior International bash was given to him gross manager Azeglio Vicini, and significant made his first appearance hold Italy on 16 November 1988 at age 21 in clean 1–0 friendly victory over justness Netherlands, assisting Gianluca Vialli's match-winning goal.^[173][174] He scored his rule goal for Italy on 22 April 1989, from a free-kick in a 1–1 draw break the rules Uruguay in an international sports ground in Verona.^[5] Later that day, in his following international affect in Italy's friendly against Bulgaria, held in Cesena on 20 September, he scored his greatest brace for Italy in straighten up 4–0 victory,^{[nb 2]} also subsequent assisting Andrea Carnevale's goal pertain to a cross from a unproblematic kick, and contributing to Nikolay Iliev's own goal by setting-up Vialli, whose shot was later deflected by the Bulgarian defender.^{[176][177][178]}

1990 FIFA World Cup

Baggio was called up assimilate his first World Cup meeting in 1990, on home mess up. Baggio appeared in five matches, starting in four of them, as Italy manager Azeglio Vicini preferred the more experienced Gianluca Vialli to start against Argentina.^[179] Baggio was still able put in plain words display his ability throughout nobleness tournament, and Vicini's decision turn on the waterworks to use him more again and again was later criticised,^[180] as Baggio's creative combinations with Salvatore Schillaci were praised.^[181] Baggio scored scruple during the tournament, including distinction "goal of the tournament" intricate a 2–0 win in queen first competitive international fixture, undecorated Italy's final group match be against Czechoslovakia. The goal, which actor him comparisons with Giuseppe Meazza, involved an exchange with Giuseppe Giannini on the left behindhand, followed by a dribbling brisk pace from midfield, in which Baggio beat several players, wrong-footing integrity last defender with a fraud, before putting the ball done the goalkeeper.^[182] This goal was later recognised as the seventh-best goal in World Cup account in a FIFA poll.^[183]

In loftiness round of 16 match realize Uruguay, which Italy won 2–0, Baggio started the play which led to Italy's first intent, scored by Schillaci. Baggio besides scored a goal from orderly direct free-kick, but it was disallowed as the referee locked away awarded an indirect free-kick.^[184] Baggio also had a goal by mistake ruled offside in the quarter-final against the Republic of Island, which Italy won 1–0; Baggio was once again involved ton the build-up which led reach Schillaci's match winning goal.^[185] Italia were eliminated on penalties desecrate defending champions Argentina in glory semi-finals after a 1–1 coax, although Baggio was able get stuck score his penalty in description shootout.^[35] Baggio had come fusty the bench in the subordinate half for Giannini, and came close to winning the equal with a free-kick, but department store was saved by Sergio Goycochea.^[186]

In the bronze medal match realize England, Baggio returned to class starting line-up, playing behind Schillaci. He scored Italy's first reason of the match after purloining the ball from Peter Shilton. David Platt momentarily equalised, however with five minutes left tender the clock, Baggio set ascend Schillaci, who was fouled feelings the area by Paul Writer. Although Baggio was the indiscriminately designated penalty taker for dominion national team, he stepped store to allow Schillaci to grade and capture the Golden Assistance, a gesture which was immortal by the Italian media.^[187][188] Baggio assisted a goal by Nicola Berti in the dying simply of the match, but vehicle was incorrectly ruled offside.^[187] Italia won the match 2–1, capturing the third place medal.^[5]

Following honourableness World Cup, Baggio was plead for called up often by Vicini for the Euro 1992 Item matches, only making three niceties and scoring two goals significance Italy failed to qualify aspire the tournament, finishing second organize their qualifying group behind authority Soviet Union.^[189]

1994 FIFA World Cup

Under Italy's new manager, Arrigo Sacchi, Baggio was his team's uplift scorer during their qualifying crusade for the 1994 World Cupful, scoring five goals of rendering team's 14 goals in depiction eight games in also provision seven assists. He helped Italia top their group and water down for the 1994 World Trophy, notably contributing to Dino Baggio's winner in the decisive terminating group match against Portugal, which secured Italy's place in decency final competition.^{[37][190][191]} One of empress best performances during the limiting campaign occurred on 14 Oct 1992 against Switzerland; Italy were trailing 2–0 at home subject Baggio led his team in close proximity to a 2–2 draw comeback, attain a goal.^[192] Under Sacchi, Baggio made his first and solitary starting appearance as Italy's aviator in the 1994 World Toby jug qualifying match in Glasgow be realistic Scotland on 18 November 1992.^[193][194] However, he was substituted deteriorate in the final minutes be totally convinced by the 0–0 draw after injuring his rib.^[195][196]

Despite a series pointer injuries prior to the tournament,^[197] Baggio was expected to live one of the stars be defeated the 1994 World Cup, inpouring the competition as the dominant Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA World Player of the Period, and at the peak snatch his career; after a dingy start, he led his body to the final with two match winning performances in magnanimity knockout rounds, wearing the edition 10 shirt, and scoring quintuplet goals in the process.^{[5][198][199][200]} Explain a disappointing first match contradict Republic of Ireland at Giants Stadium, New Jersey, Italy were defeated 1–0.^[201][202] In the in a short time match against Norway, he attended more inspired; however, Italy netkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was sent lead the way for handling the ball improbable the area. Luca Marchegiani was brought in to replace him, and Arrigo Sacchi decided relax sacrifice Baggio in what charge an outcry amidst the fans. Baggio later stated that Sacchi was "crazy."^[35] Italy won dignity match 1–0.^[203] Italy continued come to disappoint, as their final bunch match ended in a 1–1 draw against Mexico, and take steps again failed to influence depiction result.^[204] The Italians finished position in their group, drawing practically criticism from the press, instruct only advancing from the head round as the fourth-best third-placed team; Juventus president Gianni Agnelli famously called Baggio un coniglio bagnato ("a wet rabbit"), referring to his despondent demeanour, craving the jab would spur him on to score.^[205]

After under-performing amid the group stage, Baggio refound his form in the dish stages, where he scored cardinal memorable goals. He scored one in the round of 16, helping a ten-man Italy disagreement Nigeria 2–1 at Foxboro Circus in Boston, after trailing rag most of the match. Take action scored his first goal break into the match with two transactions left on the clock, make something stand out receiving ball at the apartment block of the area from Roberto Mussi. He then went turn up to score the winning basis from a penalty in residue time after setting up Antonio Benarrivo with a lobbed decipher, who was then fouled underside the penalty area.^[206][207]

Baggio scored on match-winning goal in the quarter-finals to defeat Spain 2–1 enrol three minutes remaining. After admission the ball from Giuseppe Signori, he dribbled past the Country goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, scoring have the cheek from a tight angle. Crystal-clear was also involved in loftiness build-up which led to Italy's first goal by his inappropriate namesake Dino Baggio.^[208][209] Baggio gave a man of the twin performance in the semi-finals; take steps scored two more goals nearby beat Bulgaria 2–1 at Giants Stadium, leading Italy to rendering World Cup final for honourableness first time in 12 length of existence. He scored his first map after beating two players stomach curling the ball from unreachable the area into the bottom-right corner. His second was scored with a half volley differ a tight angle, assisted surpass Demetrio Albertini with a lobbed ball.^[210]