Former Italian footballer Roberto Baggio injured in armed robbery

Former Juventus and AC Milan footballer Roberto Baggio was injured in an armed robbery at his home in northern Italy, local media reported.

The incident reportedly began at 10pm local time (9pm BST) when at least five people broke into the 57-year-old’s villa in Altavilla Vicentina.

Corriere della Sera reported that the violent incident occurred as Baggio and his family were watching Italy’s match against Spain at the European Championships.

The experienced footballer was taken to an emergency room in Arzignano and treated with stitches on his forehead, local media reported.

The incident lasted about 40 minutes.

Baggio is said to have tried to stop the burglars, but one of the thieves hit him on the forehead with a gun, the AFP news agency reported.

Shortly afterwards, he and his family were locked in a room while the perpetrators ransacked the house looking for valuables. It is unclear how much was stolen during the robbery.

His family is said to be shocked by the incident but not injured.

When the footballer felt it was safe, he broke down the door of the room they were locked in and called the police.

According to Italian media, video footage of the incident was handed over to the police and they are investigating the incident.

As a star of the national team, Baggio led his team to the 1994 World Cup final in the USA.

But he missed the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout that gave Brazil their fourth World Cup victory.

He then played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan before retiring in 2004. He is the only Italian to score at three World Cups and remains one of the team’s top scorers in the competition.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.