Roberto Baggio was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after defending his family from five armed robbers who broke into his home. The Italian football icon was reportedly watching his nation's narrow Euro 2024 defeat against Spain before suffering a 'nightmare' that lasted almost an hour.

According to Corriere del Veneto, a 'serious attack' took place in Baggio's villa in Altavilla Vicentina while he and his loved ones were home.

The 57-year-old suffered injuries that required treatment after he attempted to fight off the group of armed invaders after the terrifying break-in.

His brave efforts were said to be unsuccessful, as the robbers locked him and his family in a closet while they took watches and jewellery.

The report adds that Baggio managed to free himself from confinement and called the police following the scare, which lasted around 40 minutes.

Baggio is claimed to have required stitches as a result of the injuries he suffered during the attack, spending the night in his local hospital. The authorities are now investigating the break-in.

The 1993 Ballon d'Or winner spent his entire career in Italy, representing seven different clubs from 1982 to 2004, including AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus.

He lifted the Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup at Juventus before earning his second Scudetto with Milan.

Baggio, recognisable by his iconic ponytail, also blazed a memorable legacy on the international stage, scoring 27 goals in 56 caps for Italy.

In 1998, he became the first Italian player to score at three different World Cups, having already found the net in 1990 and 1994.

After retirement, Baggio spent three years as the president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation, a role he started in 2010.

He stepped down in 2013, accusing the federation of ignoring his ideas about focusing on the development of youth talent.

Baggio is a respected figure just as much off the pitch as he was on it due to his charity work. He has helped raise money for areas affected by earthquakes and illnesses since becoming a UN ambassador in 2002.

Italy still have work to do to ensure they don't suffer a group-stage exit in their European Championships defence this summer.

Riccardo Calafiori's own goal was enough to hand Spain victory in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday and book their spot alongside hosts Germany in the last 16.

Italy face Croatia in their final Group C fixture, where there will be a sense of 'loser goes home' in the air. Croatia would leapfrog the holders with a triumph.