Baggio's World Cup woe
Friday, February 1, 2002
Article summary
Roberto Baggio's 2002 FIFA World Cup hopes could be dashed after he picked up another knee injury.
Article body
Baggio woe
The 35-year-old playmaker picked up the injury during Brescia’s 2-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first-leg defeat by Parma AC on Thursday night. Coming on as a half-time substitute, Baggio only played 13 minutes before breaking down after his foot got caught in the grass.
Operation
Club doctors initially thought that Baggio had sprained his knee, but the extent of the damage, and whether he needs an operation, will only be known after the player has a check-up on Friday. The former Juventus FC hero had only just returned to action after injuring his knee in October against AC Venezia.
Sad win
Brescia coach Carlo Mazzone refused to comment on the striker's injury, while Parma coach Pietro Carmignani said: "It's a sad win. I hope Roberto Baggio is not seriously injured. He is a great guy. I was at the 1994 World Cup with him and I hope he'll realise his dream to play in another World Cup."
Trapattoni hint
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni had hinted that he may give Baggio a shock recall to his squad for the trip to Korea/Japan. A veteran of two World Cups, Baggio last played for his country in 1999.
