Italia ’90: 10 iconic No.10 World Cup stories

Roberto Baggio: Italy

Round reached: Semi-final / Appearances: 5 / Goals: 2

Baggio broke out on a world stage during Italia ’90 as Baggiomania swept the globe after his wonder ‘goal of the tournament’ against Czechoslovakia in Rome. He’d been made the most expensive player in the world before the games began as Juventus broke the transfer record for his signature, prompting days of rioting in Florence, which threatened to disrupt the Azzurri squad’s preparations who were training nearby.

Coach Vicini kept Baggio out of the limelight initially, but with Italy qualifying for the Last 16 with a game to spare, the young playmaker was given the start the whole nation had waited for in the final group match. Baggio didn’t disappoint, impressing throughout and scoring a dream goal.

The young playmaker kept his place against Uruguay where he encountered some brutal treatment, but it was his subtle touch, bringing the ball down from the night sky after a high Walter Zenga punt, which led to Schillaci’s opener in the first knockout round. Italy progressed past Ireland in the quarters, but for the semi-final against Argentina, Baggio, much to the dismay of the public, started on the bench.

As the Azzurri struggled creatively after being pegged back late on, the fantasista wearing No.15 was introduced and almost won it – hitting the bar with a trademark curling free-kick. It wasn’t to be; Argentina undeservedly hung on (despite being reduced to 10 men after a cowardly assault on Baggio) and although Baggio scored his penalty in the shootout, it ended in heartbreaking defeat. Penalties and heartbreak would also be the theme in the playmaker’s very next World Cup.

Baggio scored another goal in his final Italia ’90 appearance against England in the Third/Fourth place play-off (the fixture many thought should have been the tournament’s final)  – cleverly capitalising on Peter Shilton’s mistake – and also played the throughball that ultimately led to Schillaci’s Golden Boot winning penalty as the hosts won 2-1.