THE great Roberto Baggio turns 49 today.
So what better excuse to celebrate the career of one of football’s greatest
ever players?
One of the most iconic images in the game’s history is of a distraught Baggio
standing hands on hips, having just blazed his World Cup final shootout
penalty over the bar, while Brazil goalkeeper, Taffarel, screams in ecstasy
just yards away.
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The Divine Ponytail had dragged Italy all the way to the final of USA 94 — but
it was his was his missed spot kick which condemned them to the cruellest of
defeats following a dire 0-0 draw.
Four years earlier, at his home World Cup, he was the tournament’s pin-up boy,
and he lived up to the billing finishing off an outrageous solo goal against
Czechoslovakia.
Baggio made his senior debut for Vicenza at the age of 15.
Three years later, in 1985, the third tier side agreed a £1.5million deal to
sell their star to Fiorentina. But, just days before the transfer had been
finalised, Baggio shattered his knee ligaments and doctors feared he would
never play again.
However, the Fiorentina put their faith in the youngster and the move went
through.
He would go onto become one of the greatest players in the club’s history —
before moving to Juventus for a world record fee of £8m in 1990.
Fiorentina fans never forgave Baggio, and their rivalry with the Turin giants
intensified following the sale of their star man.
And it was at Juventus where he enjoyed his best period in club football.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1993 as a well as a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia
and a Uefa Cup.
In 1995, he moved to Milan and added another Scudetto.
Before moving the city-rivals Inter— where he partnered Ronaldo in attack — in
1998, following a season at Bologna.
Baggio finished his career at Brescia in 2004 where he was still capable of
producing moments of magic, and he briefly linked up with a young Andrea
Pirlo.
The lasting image of Italian superstar’s career will always be his missed
penalty.
But it shouldn’t overshadow what a truly talented footballer he was.
One of the best of all time.