Clamour grows for rethink on Baggio
Thursday, April 25, 2002
The clamour for veteran Brescia striker Roberto Baggio to be called into Italy's World Cup squad grew to a crescendo Monday morning after the 35-year-old had defied doctors to come back and score two goals in an Italian first division match with Fiorentina. Baggio, nicknamed the divine ponytail for his Buddhist beliefs and trademark hairstyle, had been ruled out for the season - and therefore the World Cup - after injuring cruciate ligaments on January 31. Accordingly last week, although there were reports that Baggio was defying medicial predictions with his rapid return to fitness, Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that Baggio would not be going to Japan, naming his seven offensive players for the World Cup. While Baggio is Italy's most popular player, key members of the Italian team such as Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero have made it clear they are less than keen on Baggio returning to wear the shirt of the Italian national team. Del Piero, who many believe was undermined by Baggio at the 1998 World Cup in France, said on Sunday night's Controcampo programme: "I think it would be difficult to call him up." Baggio himself admitted a change of heart by Trapattoni was a long shot. Speaking after the 3-0 win over Fiorentina he said: "Trapattoni does not need to feel embarrassed, all I can do is give it my maximum but I have little time left." Even before Sunday's performance petitions were being organised to persuade Trapattoni to rethink but on Monday Baggio's two goals in a 20-minute appearance as a substitute had given the pro-Baggio camp a new lease of life. Gazzetta dello Sport titled: "Baggio stuns the world: two goals after his personal Calvary." An editorial entitled "What now, Trap?" was entirely pro-Baggio, saying the former Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan player incarnated Italy. "Baggio is the Italian national anthem of football, the power of fantasy, the man who unites generations in the name of football," wrote leader writer Elio Trifari. Referring to the notorious rivalry between opposing supporters in Italy Trifari wrote: "The different sets of supporters (of different clubs) unite only in his name as the opinion polls (of who should go to the World Cup) prove." Corriere dello Sport was equally lyrical, saying: "Roberto Baggio is back. Alleluia." Referring to the player as 'our little Buddha' Corriere points out that Baggio could come back to haunt former club Juventus next weekend when Brescia visit Turin. Baggio, who has not always seen eye to eye with his team-mates and coaches, admitted in his autobiography published this season that he did not get on with Juve coach Marcello Lippi, claiming the latter had moved him out of the club. Last season Baggio's goal for Brescia against Juve played a large role in handing the title to AS Roma and Corriere predicts a repeat on Sunday. "Will our hero succeed in becoming a key figure in deciding the Scudetto and end victoriously his long battle with Lippi?" asked the paper of the player who was signed from Fiorentina for Juve for what was then a world record fee back in 1990.
Baggio in fight against the clock - March 7, 2002
Baggio back in contention for Italian World Cup place - October 5, 2001
Baggio given World Cup incentive - September 7, 2001
TRAPATTONI TALKS OF BAGGIO CALL-UP - June 20, 2001
Trapattoni urged to recall Baggio - April 3, 2001
Barcelona makes offer to Baggio - August 5, 2000
Trapattoni says Baggio still a chance - April 30, 2002
