Italian soccer received a shot in the leg when the FIGC announced Roberto Baggio to be the president for its Technical Sector – another way of saying chief scout. This can only be a good thing for Italy’s youth development. Also hired was former AC Milan and Azzurri coach Arrigo Sacchi as a national team youth coordinator and Milan great Gianni Rivera (la regista of great style) who will act as president for the youth academy . Together, the trio represent a breath of fresh air and new sense of direction for Italian soccer.
Baggio in particular is simply beloved in Italy and around the world not just for his genius on the pitch. Humble, introspective and smart, he commands instant credibility and respect. It’s exactly what Italy needs at this time to rebuild its squad.
The significance and symbolism of Roberto Baggio can’t be under stated. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this guy. He’s simply one of the all-time great players. More importantly, he was never afraid to voice his opinions on Italian football and likely has his own ideas to implement. That’s a lot of knowledge and experience that will flow from the trio onto the young players.
On a personal level, I’ve been watching soccer for a long time and without doubt, he’s in the top 5 greatest players of the last 30 years. There was a certain aura to him that left you in awe. Unfortunately, he was mistreated by the likes of Arrigo Sacchi, Marcello Lippi and Cesare Maldini. For some strange odd reason, it was almost as if they wanted to deny his greatness – especially at the national team level. Reminds me a little of Gianfranco Zola (Marazola). Another stand out talent who never seemed to gain the respect of the Italian coaching ranks.
It’s a shame he and Paolo Maldini (I would even venture to add Franco Baresi in this group even though he was on Italy’s World Cup winning team in 1982 despite not playing) never lifted a cup as players, but I hope to see them part of a world cup team some time in the future.
It’s always nice to see classy individuals win anything in any sport.
I would beg to differ. You could place Roberto Baggio in the top 5 greatest Italian players in last 30 years, but definitely NOT among top 5 in the world soccer. He was like David Beckham, more famous for his looks and stature than for his on field prowess.
Soccer fans who have followed Italian team closely since last 20-30 years can easily say that their lineup for Italia 90 was the most formidable Italian team ever that was way different in their approach. Baggio wasn’t even a part of that team. They had Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Walter Zenga, Roberto Donadoni, Salvador Schilachi, Gialluca Vialli, Albertini, et. al. Those were the men, who had a blend of style, aggression and solid defence. Italian soccer at its best, way better than 1982 Rossi’s and 2006 Cannavaro’s teams.
Differ away by all means. Thanks for the comment.
BUT.
Sorry, dude. I don’t know how old you are but Baggio is NOT Beckham. To even compare the two is absurd. He was charismatic but he was not a run away marketing machine and nor was he a one-dimensional player.
Baggio’s talent is WITHOUT DOUBT sublime. He easily ranks in a top 15/20 players of ALL-TIME. I’ve even seen some lists where he was in the top 10 and I’m cool with that.
In 1990, he was a kid and even then when he played he sparkled. Donadoni was a solid attacking mid but no where in Baggio’s class same with Vialli. Schilacci was not a starter. Albertini was a different cat altogether. All solid players but none are Baggio. None.
So to point that is a little unfair.
However, I will agree with you on one point, the 1990, which finished 3rd at the WC, was an outstanding team. Fluid, solid defense, stylish mids and clinical strikers. They would have crushed Germany in the final had the hung on against Argentina.
Well, I am old enough to have seen last 7 world cups. Barring few times, I don’t think that he had it in him to single handedly guide the Italian team to victories. He was sublime, but only in patches or perhaps only in club football.
Charismatic looks and a flying ponytail, he was a cult figure, no doubt about that. But a tad over hyped as well. And I think Baggio didn’t get as many endorsements as Beckham
After watching the Italian team of 1990, the 1994 team disappointed me immensely. But yeah, Baggio lacked support from his team mates during that World cup and one more Baggio would have definitely steam rolled Brazil in the finals.
My two cents. Just the difference of opinions. Thanks.
Yes, it is a difference of opionions! I asked about the age because most people who didn’t feel Baggio was great are young I’ve noticed.
I think, he was under-hyped. Go figure. Maybe you don’t recall, but I remember him leading them against Nigeria, Chile, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria (off the top of my head)- by himself. In 1994, he was injured and still left his mark. Had he played in 1998 as a starter, it’s not crazy to think they would have gone deeper.
Well, Maradona was great in patches too. So was Zidane and other great players. Baggio was pretty darn consistent if you ask me.
But again, I agree about the 90-94 teams. Although in 1994 the defense was fabulous in the final.
Thanks for the debate!