ROBERTO BAGGIO

Skilful Italian forward Roberto Baggio was one of the world's finest players in the 1990s. He achieved domestic and European club success with several of Italy's biggest clubs over a twenty year career, as well as enjoying some fine performances at international level.

Baggio's club career began at Vicenza as a teenager, and at the age of just 18 he moved into top level club football with Fiorentina. His five year stay in Florence saw him break in to the Italian national team, and a series of impressive performances as Italy hosted the World Cup in 1990 attracted the attention of bigger clubs. The highlight of Italy's run to the semi-finals was Baggio's sensational goal against Czechoslovakia, and after the tournament he moved to Juventus for a then world record £8 million.

By 1993, Baggio had led Juventus to an Italian Cup and U.E.F.A. Cup double, and his achievements were officially recognised when he was named European and World Footballer of the Year. His greatest achievement came at the 1994 World Cup, where he almost single-handedly dragged Italy into the final, scoring winning goals in three matches in a row against Nigeria, Spain and Bulgaria. Unfortunately, he was injured and below his best in the final and missed the decisive kick as Italy lost a penalty shoot-out to Brazil.

Disgracefully blamed for the defeat by manager Arrigo Sacchi, Baggio's international career stalled but after helping Juventus to the Serie A title in 1995 he moved on to AC Milan, where he added another league title a year later. Having moved on to play for Bologna, he was back in the Italian team for the 1998 World Cup and scored twice as Italy reached the last eight.

In 1998 Baggio joined Internazionale, but injuries limited his playing opportunities and two years later he moved on to Brescia where he scored 45 goals in less than 100 games. In 2004 he was awarded an international testimonial against Spain, where he made his first appearance for Italy in five years, and at the end of the 2003-04 season announced his retirement from playing at the age of 37.