The man who died standing
Roberto Baggio was the Ballon dor holder at the time, surpassing Dennis Bergkamp by 109 votes. Not only was he Italy’s best player, but the world’s best. Recently receiving his award due to the 28 goal contributions in 28 games, putting up a number on the scoresheet every 80 minutes for Juve. An iconic player that left his stamp in every game. His unique ponytail became famous throughout Italy.
It all led up to the 1994 World Cup. Italy haven’t reached the final since their last win in 1982. Baggio was on the bench for their last dissapointment in 1990. In the next 4 years he became the star player. He’d become Italy’s hope to bring back the gold to earn that #1 spot again. They were the favorites to win the cup. Having a defensive wall made up of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Costacurta, Albertini, all recent champions league winners with AC Milan 2 months prior under coach Fabio Capello. Roberto Baggio partnering up with Giuseppe Signori, Seriea’s record top scorer (26) the season prior. Nothing could’ve stopped the Gli Azzurri.
The perfect final was set. Italy and Brazil, both in first for the most world cups won (3). Only one will be crowned the best of the best
17th of July 1994 marks the great shock. Roberto Baggio scored 5 goals in 603 minutes during that World cup. Scoring the only goals (2) against Nigeria and Bulgaria. Not to mention, clutching a goal against spain in the final minutes of the quarter finals. It’s easy to say who was Italy’s best player at the time. Baggio contributed 71% of Italy’s scoreline throughout that tournament. Baggio did everything right, but it all came down to that last shot as Brazilian Taffarel goalkeeper kneels in celebration before him, forever haunting Roberto from that kick.
But the best only fall to get back up again. Baggio went on to win the league with Juve that year and a subsequent league win with Milan. After the league, the rest of his tenure wasn’t very successful at Milan. The Italian decided to transfer to bologna for a revival, scoring his highest ever goal tally(22)in the league. Later received a lucrative offer from Inter Milan, that marked his last stop at the Serie a great trio.
Roberto never had a downfall, he had a defining moment. The moral of this story is that even the greats fall down, nothing is ever promised. Roberto Baggio will forever be a legend of the game.
