Roberto Baggio

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Baggio's breakthrough came in the 1988–89 season under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. He scored 15 goals in Serie A, finishing third in the capocannoniere title, and formed a devastating attacking partnership with Stefano Borgonovo — nicknamed "B2" — who together scored 29 of Fiorentina's 44 league goals. Baggio led Fiorentina to a Coppa Italia quarter-final, scoring nine goals, and helped the club secure a UEFA Cup spot by assisting Roberto Pruzzo's goal in a tiebreak qualifier against Roma. Former Fiorentina playmaker Miguel Montuori called Baggio "more productive than Maradona" and said he had "ice in his veins" for his composure in front of goal. In the 1989–90 season, despite Fiorentina struggling against relegation, Baggio carried the club to the 1990 UEFA Cup final, scoring a decisive penalty in the first-round shootout against Atlético Madrid and a penalty goal in a 1–0 round of 16 win over Dynamo Kyiv. He finished as the second-highest goalscorer in Serie A with 17 goals, behind Marco van Basten, and won the Bravo Award as the best under-23 player in European competitions. With Fiorentina, Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 appearances, 39 of which were in Serie A from 94 appearances. He placed eighth in the 1990 Ballon d'Or. His transfer to Juventus in 1990 for £8 million — a world record fee — sparked riots in Florence, injuring 50 people. Baggio said: "I was compelled to accept the transfer." When Juventus played Fiorentina on 7 April 1991, Baggio refused to take a penalty, saying Fiorentina's goalkeeper knew him too well. After being substituted, he picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown onto the field, a gesture that outraged Juventus fans but endeared him forever to the Viola faithful. He claimed to be "always purple" in his heart.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the pitch at Franchi under the floodlights, but the crowd roared louder than ever. Baggio received the ball near midfield, shielding it with a shoulder turn that defied gravity. The Viola faithful held their breath as he accelerated past two defenders, his ponytail flying behind him. He didn't shoot immediately; instead, he waited for the defense to collapse before slipping a perfect pass through the lines. It was not just a goal; it was a statement of intent etched into the memory of every fan in the stands that night.

Reader's Guide

The presence of Roberto Baggio at Stadio Artemio Franchi defined an era of high expectation and artistic football for Fiorentina supporters. During his tenure, the atmosphere on matchdays shifted from simple loyalty to a celebration of individual brilliance. Fans clad in Viola jerseys would chant for "Il Divin Codino," treating every touch of the ball as a moment of potential magic. The visual identity of this period remains iconic: the deep purple kit paired with white shorts, worn by a player whose distinctive ponytail was as recognizable as his skill. The crest on the chest represented more than a club; it became a canvas for Baggio's creativity. Supporters viewed him not just as an employee, but as a talisman who could elevate the team beyond its financial means. However, this culture also carries the weight of his eventual departure to Juventus in 1990. The sale remains a poignant chapter in fan lore, illustrating the tension between club ambition and player legacy. Today, veteran supporters recall those years with a mix of pride for what was achieved and nostalgia for the artistry that once graced the Franchi grass.

Did You Know?

• Baggio shattered both the ACL and meniscus of his right knee two days before his transfer to Fiorentina was finalized; the club still committed to the deal and funded his surgery.
• He scored his first Serie A goal on 10 May 1987 with a free-kick equalizer against Diego Maradona's Napoli that saved Fiorentina from relegation.
• Baggio and Stefano Borgonovo scored 29 of Fiorentina's 44 Serie A goals in the 1988–89 season, earning the nickname 'B2'.
• Former Fiorentina playmaker Miguel Montuori said Baggio was 'more productive than Maradona' and had 'ice in his veins'.
• Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 appearances for Fiorentina, with 39 goals in 94 Serie A matches.