Calcio Legends: Roberto Baggio

Step forward Roberto Baggio. The name says it all. Quite simply a technical revelation. A player empitomised by a moment of misfortune, blasting that penalty over the bar in the final of the 1994 world cup final against Brazil. But as we all know, there is much more to the the great man than a submission to pressure in the Rose Bowl Pasadena.

Where it all began
Vicenza was Baggio's first club before he moved onto the Viola, Fiorentina, in 1985. He made his debut against Sampdoria in 1986 and took part in a little piece of history later on in that season by scoring against Napoli in the game in which the Partenepoli won their first Scudetto. He became a legend for the Fiorentina faithful, but turmoil for them was to follow. In 1990 after some magical world cup performances Baggio was sold on to Juventus for what would now equate to 12 million euros. This inspired full scale riots in Florence and the beginning of a bitter rivalry between the two clubs that is still equally vibrant today. Indeed, for Fiorentina the matches against Juventus are without doubt the biggest of the season and will only be more heated this season after the sale of Felipe Melo for 25 million.

Success at Juve
In 1993 he lead Juve to the UEFA cup, scoring a wonder goal against Dortmund, and won the Ballon D'or and Fifa world player of the year award. His first Scudetto win followed in 1995, just reward after that miss in the world cup. Indeed, at USA 94 Baggio was brilliant in the latter stages registering goals in the Semi Final against Bulgaria, Quarter final against Spain and second round against Nigeria just when it looked like the Azzurri were heading home. Indeed, Baggio was the best player in the tournament, far superior to Brazilian counterpart Romario. But it was not to be for Baggio at International level, he returned in France 1998 and scored on two occasions but was underused by Cesare Maldini in preference to new boy wonder Del Piero and Italy paid the price for this. Still at club level he was doing well and moved onto AC Milan who looked to recapture their dominance in Italy after the Van Basten years.

The Milan Years: AC, Bologna, Inter and Brescia
In his first year at AC Milan he helped the to a Scudetto win, but was widely believed to be on the wane and a transfer to Bologna was agreed upon for the beginning of the 1997/1998 season. A wise move in retrospect, as in a world cup year he found a club where first team football would be guaranteed and idolisation no doubt. He had an outrageous season, scoring 22 goals in 30 games in an environment where the team played for him. He went to the world cup in great form, but was not played enough to help a turgid Azzurri past the quarter final stages. He fell tempted to the big time after a stunning season with Bologna, and moved onto Inter Milan completing the set after playing previously for AC Milan and Juventus. Again, he was criminally underused by Marcelo Lippi after the tactician did not see him in his plans. However, he did have two great moments in an Inter shirt. Bringing down Real Madrid 3-1 with two super goals in the San Siro in the 1998/1999 Champions League and also scoring a stunning goal against Parma in a Champions League playoff match. But, rightly, he moved on to Brescia linking up with another legend in Dario Hubner and future star Luca Toni. Indeed, he enjoyed four years at Brescia averaging and goal in every other game, scoring against Juve of course also.

It was a great career for an outstanding player, who continued his outstanding play and ability throughout his playing days. He registered over 300 goals, fifth highest in Italian history, and was given a standing ovation by a packed San Siro on his last game against Milan. A great send off, at a great stadium, for a living legend. Grazia Roberto.

Please, check out the videos in the Serie A legends section down the page. Roll back the years, and hold back the tears for the great man.