Editing Roberto Baggio (section)

=== Style of play ===
{{Quote box|width=27%|align=right|quote="He's without doubt the most skilful [[Squad number (association football)|number ten]] in the modern game, the archetypal [[playmaker]], if you like, who can create chances and score goals."|source=—[[Brian Laudrup]] on Baggio, 1995.<ref name="Fourfourtwo">"Roberto Baggio", ''FourFourTwo'', June 1995, p. 8.</ref>}}

Described as a ''[[Playmaker#Advanced playmakers|fantasista]]'', ''trequartista'', ''mezzapunta'', or ''rifinitore'' throughout his career in the Italian media, due to his role on the pitch and creative playing style,<ref name="=Del Piero, Totti e Baggio la fantasia al potere"/><ref name="San Zico"/> Baggio was a world class playmaker with an eye for goal, who was renowned for his vision, creativity, ability to read the game, [[Cross (association football)|crossing]] accuracy, and passing ability, which made him an excellent [[Assist (association football)|assist]] provider;{{#tag:ref|See <ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref name="A History of the Gala"/><ref name="huffingtonpost"/><ref name="Ambitious Baggio joins Brescia"/><ref name="Happy birthday"/><ref name="Baggio to join Italy"/><ref name="acmilan.com"/><ref name=irishtimes.com>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/the-buddha-of-milan-1.157649|title=The Buddha of Milan|newspaper=Irish Times|date=27 February 1999|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723091835/http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/the-buddha-of-milan-1.157649|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Falcone">{{cite web|url=http://www.alleniamo.com/libri.riviste/2012/urbone/roberto.baggio.htm|title=Roberto Baggio. Breve viaggio nel mondo del Codino più amato|website=alleniamo.com|language=it|last=Falcone|first=Gabriella|access-date=16 May 2012|archive-date=27 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627145454/http://www.alleniamo.com/libri.riviste/2012/urbone/roberto.baggio.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Baggio Takes Great Strides Toward Soccer Greatness">{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/06/15/baggio-takes-great-strides-toward-soccer-greatness/|title=Baggio Takes Great Strides Toward Soccer Greatness|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|date=15 June 1994|access-date=13 January 2015|archive-date=14 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114003756/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-06-15/features/9406150766_1_baggio-great-soccer-players-goals-in-world|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="flowering"/><ref name="Baggio on USA 94">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/roberto-baggio-interview-exclusive-usa-94-penalty-diadora-football-boots-a7848946.html|title=Roberto Baggio on USA 94, playing through the pain and putting the beautiful in the beautiful game|newspaper=The Independent|author1=Miguel Delaney|date=19 July 2017|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722001312/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/roberto-baggio-interview-exclusive-usa-94-penalty-diadora-football-boots-a7848946.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/2002/12/16/LS4LG_LS480.html |title=Tare-Baggio, il Brescia vola |publisher=Il Tirreno |language=it |date=16 December 2002 |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034514/http://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/2002/12/16/LS4LG_LS480.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1989/03/23/borgonovo-baggio-spazio-per.html |title=Borgonovo - Baggio: C'è Spazio per Loro |newspaper=La Repubblica |language=it |author1=Licia Granello |date=23 March 1989 |access-date=8 October 2018 |archive-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009053123/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1989/03/23/borgonovo-baggio-spazio-per.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Other Baggio ready to step into hero's role WORLD CUP 1994">{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/07/16/other-baggio-ready-to-step-into-heros-role-world-cup-1994/|title='Other' Baggio ready to step into hero's role WORLD CUP 1994|work=The Baltimore Sun|last=Preston|first=Mike|date=16 July 1994|access-date=20 July 2014|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822125332/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1994-07-16/sports/1994197049_1_dino-baggio-roberto-baggio-world-cup|url-status=live}}</ref>|name="style1"|group="nb"}} however, he usually played as a [[second striker]] throughout his career, as he was known for scoring goals as well as creating them.{{#tag:ref|See <ref name="Fourfourtwo"/><ref name="corriere2"/><ref name="Ambitious Baggio joins Brescia"/><ref name=irishtimes.com/><ref name="Baggio Takes Great Strides Toward Soccer Greatness"/><ref name="Baggio on USA 94"/><ref name="Baggio's month of May">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/48791/baggio%E2%80%99s-month-may|title=Baggio's month of May|publisher=Football Italia|author1=Dave Taylor|date=5 May 2014|access-date=14 November 2015|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108085059/https://football-italia.net/48791/baggio%E2%80%99s-month-may|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=discontent>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/jun/11/euro2000.sport|title=Italy's season of discontent|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Joe McGiniss|date=11 June 2000|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427231414/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/jun/11/euro2000.sport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="100 Greatest Footballers EVER"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1634018-25-most-skilled-passers-in-world-football-history |title=25 Most Skilled Passers in World Football History |publisher=bleacherreport.com |author1=Max Towle |date=9 May 2013 |access-date=10 October 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708142243/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1634018-25-most-skilled-passers-in-world-football-history |url-status=live }}</ref>|name="style2"|group="nb"}} This led [[Michel Platini]] to describe him as a "9 and a half", namely a player whose role lay half-way between that of a forward and a midfielder, as he was not a true number 9 (the shirt number usually associated with a striker), due to his creative ability, but he scored more than a number 10 (the shirt number commonly associated with an advanced playmaker), a description which often saw him identified with the role of an [[inside forward]].<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref name=irishtimes.com/><ref name="Estro e fantasia"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/altre-notizie/roberto-baggio-allenare-l-italia-non-si-sa-mai-826328|title=Roberto Baggio: 'Allenare l'Italia? Non si sa mai'|magazine=GQ|language=it|date=5 January 2011|access-date=16 May 2012|archive-date=9 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109223702/http://www.calciomercato.com/altre-notizie/roberto-baggio-allenare-l-italia-non-si-sa-mai-826328|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=sports.yahoo.com>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/mystery-solved--why-do-the-best-soccer-players-wear-no--10-052229677.html|title=Mystery solved: Why do the best soccer players wear No. 10?|publisher=Yahoo|author1=Khalil Garriot|date=21 June 2014|access-date=19 May 2015|archive-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626005732/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/mystery-solved--why-do-the-best-soccer-players-wear-no--10-052229677.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also stated that Baggio's playing style coincided with the re-emergence of the attacking midfielder in Italy during the early 2000s;<ref name="corriere2"/> indeed, he served as an inspiration to many future players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://punditarena.com/football/thepateam/football-italia-roberto-baggio-50/ |title=Looking Back On Football Italia As Roberto Baggio Turns 50 |publisher=punditarena.com |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113954/https://punditarena.com/football/thepateam/football-italia-roberto-baggio-50/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:ROBERTO BAGGIO LANEROSSI VICENZA BIANCOROSSO.jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|left|A young Baggio with Vicenza]]
Baggio was a tactically versatile player, with a good understanding of the game, and was comfortable attacking on either [[Forward (association football)#Winger|flank]] or through the centre of the pitch; this allowed him to operate anywhere along the front-line.<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref name="huffingtonpost"/><ref name="corriere2"/><ref name="flowering">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-greatness-has-a-last-flowering-in-baggio-1077893.html|title=Football: Greatness has a last flowering in Baggio|newspaper=The Independent|author1=Richard Williams|date=1 March 1999|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214101836/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-greatness-has-a-last-flowering-in-baggio-1077893.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> His preferred position was in a free playmaking role behind the forwards, as a creative [[attacking midfielder]], although he was rarely deployed in this position throughout his career due to the prevalence of the 4–4–2 formation, in which he usually functioned either as a main [[Striker (association football)|striker]], or more frequently in a supporting role as a deep-lying forward.<ref name="corriere2"/><ref name=evoluzione>{{cite web|url=http://it.eurosport.com/calcio/serie-a/2014-2015/levoluzione-del-numero-dieci-da-pele-a-pirlo_sto4827915/story.shtml|title=L'evoluzione del numero dieci: da Pelé a Pirlo|publisher=Eurosport.com|language=it|author=Mattia Fontana|date=21 July 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref> It was only in later years that he was able to play in this free role more frequently.<ref name="Il Fantasista, l'Incompreso"/><ref name=irishtimes.com/><ref name="Falcone"/> He was also occasionally deployed out of position as a left winger in an attacking trident,<ref name="corriere2"/><ref name="p193"/><ref name="solocalcio"/><ref name=InterVenezia/> as a [[wide midfielder]],<ref name="L'addio del grande incompreso"/> or even in [[central midfield]] as a ''[[mezzala]]'' or [[deep-lying playmaker]] on rarer instances.<ref name="solocalcio"/><ref name="trapianto">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/agosto/01/Tabarez_tenta_trapianto_Baggio_Codino_co_0_9608016997.shtml|title=Tabarez tenta il trapianto di Baggio. E Codino regista è il faro del Milan|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Alberto Costa|date=1 August 1996|access-date=5 March 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071858/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/agosto/01/Tabarez_tenta_trapianto_Baggio_Codino_co_0_9608016997.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Piano con Baggio"/> During the lead-up to the 1994 World Cup, he was also initially employed by Italy's manager [[Arrigo Sacchi]] as a [[centre-forward]], in a role known in Italian football jargon as ''centravanti di manovra'' (which literally translates to "manoeuvring centre-forward"), which was a precursor to the modern [[Forward (association football)#False 9|false-nine]] role; in this position, Baggio was expected to link-up with other players and create chances for them, in addition to creating space with his movement by dropping deep into midfield, and allowing the team's wingers to cut inside and make attacking runs into the centre.<ref name="R.Baggio9-10">{{harvnb|Baggio|2001|pp=9–10}}</ref>

A prolific goalscorer,<ref name=treccani.it>{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/roberto-baggio_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|title=Baggio, Roberto|publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport (2002)|language=it|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723175635/http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/roberto-baggio_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio was an accurate finisher from both inside and outside the area, and was known for his accurate bending shots and composure in front of goal, rather than his power. Due to his excellent technique, he was a precise [[Volley (association football)|volleyer]], and he had a penchant for scoring from [[Chip (association football)|chip]] shots. Moreover, he was also a [[Set piece (football)|set piece]] specialist, who was highly regarded for his ball delivery from dead-ball situations, as well as his precision from direct [[Free kick (association football)|free-kick]]s and his ability to curl the ball, which earned him a reputation as one of the best free kick takers of his generation.{{#tag:ref|See <ref name="A History of the Gala"/><ref name="top 20"/><ref name=eroi/><ref name="Baggio to join Italy"/><ref name="Baggio's month of May"/><ref name="I SIGNORI BAGGIOS">{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1994/07/11/signori-baggios.html |title=I Signori Baggios |work=La Repubblica |language=it |last1=Tommasi |first1=Alessandro |date=11 July 1994 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807030514/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1994/07/11/signori-baggios.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ilpost.it/2012/02/23/come-fare-gol-su-calcio-dangolo/6/|title=Come fare gol su calcio d'angolo|publisher=Il Post|language=it|date=23 February 2012|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605051500/http://www.ilpost.it/2012/02/23/come-fare-gol-su-calcio-dangolo/6/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/2017/02/13/news/il_campione_diverso_rimasto_tra_noi_con_la_sua_assenza-158175485/|title=Baggio, il campione diverso rimasto tra noi con la sua assenza|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Emanuela Audisio|date=13 February 2017|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213234253/http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/2017/02/13/news/il_campione_diverso_rimasto_tra_noi_con_la_sua_assenza-158175485/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Baggio compie 50 anni">{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/17-02-2017/roberto-baggio-compie-50-anni-ha-unito-mondo-calcio-180870588689.shtml?login=ok|title=Roberto Baggio compie 50 anni: ha unito il mondo del calcio|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Luca Calamai|date=17 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-date=19 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219101141/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/17-02-2017/roberto-baggio-compie-50-anni-ha-unito-mondo-calcio-180870588689.shtml?login=ok|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Baggio at 50">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2017/feb/17/roberto-baggio-50-free-kicks-milan-juventus-brescia-inter|title=Roberto Baggio at 50: celebrating his five greatest free-kicks|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Emmet Gates|date=17 February 2017|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072518/https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2017/feb/17/roberto-baggio-50-free-kicks-milan-juventus-brescia-inter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0236-0e9c796056f7-f3fd6b8afebb-1000--roberto-baggio-turns-50-five-of-his-best-uefa-goals/ |title=Roberto Baggio turns 50: five of his best UEFA goals |publisher=[[UEFA]] |author1=Paolo Menicucci |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034329/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2442335.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/fifa-18-icons-7-all-time-legends-we-really-want-see-included?page=0%2C1 |title=FIFA 18 Icons: 7 all-time legends we really want to see included |magazine=FourFourTwo |author1=Tom Bogert |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034903/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/us/features/fifa-18-icons-7-all-time-legends-we-really-want-see-included?page=0%2C1 |archive-date=21 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/2003/pp_1.0.164416480.shtml |title=Brescia-Reggina da ottovolante |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |date=21 September 2003 |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034602/https://www.gazzetta.it/primi_piani/2003/pp_1.0.164416480.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,5/articleid,0909_02_1990_0177_0029_18577080/ |title=Carnevale e Vialli i due insufficienti |work=La Stampa Sera |page=5 |language=it |last1=Perucca |first1=Bruno |date=9 July 1990 |access-date=2 September 2019 |archive-date=2 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902172357/http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,5/articleid,0909_02_1990_0177_0029_18577080/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1998/dicembre/15/Mihajlovic_tripletta_fatta_casa_ga_0_9812155442.shtml |title=Mihajlovic, tripletta fatta in casa |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last1=Maurizio |first1=Nicita |date=15 December 1998 |access-date=19 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113956/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1998/dicembre/15/Mihajlovic_tripletta_fatta_casa_ga_0_9812155442.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/fisica-del-gol-olimpico/ |title=Fisica del gol olímpico |publisher=Ultimo Uomo |last1=Bizzarri |first1=Cosimo |language=it |date=30 October 2015 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=23 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223223758/http://www.ultimouomo.com/fisica-del-gol-olimpico/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2001/05/07/SWA02.html |title=La " Perla" Della Settimana Con Baggio salvarsi in corner è rischioso |work=La Nuova Sardegna |language=it |date=7 May 2001 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113956/https://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2001/05/07/SWA02.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/2018/02/04/gol-da-calcio-d-angolo-storia-gol-olimpico |title=Breve storia del "gol olimpico": l'antica arte di segnare dalla bandierina |publisher=sport.sky.it |language=it |date=4 February 2018 |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113955/https://sport.sky.it/calcio/2018/02/04/gol-da-calcio-d-angolo-storia-gol-olimpico |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-07-17-1994198115-story.html |title=World Cup ready to go fourth san |work=The Baltimore Sun |last1=Preston |first1=Mike |date=17 July 1994 |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113954/https://www.baltimoresun.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tribuna.com/it/news/juventus-2020-06-06-alex-del-piero-svela-i-suoi-gol-alla-del-piero-sicuramente-ce-quello-a-dortmund-e-stato-s/ |title=Alex Del Piero svela i suoi "gol alla Del Piero": "Sicuramente c'è quello a Dortmund, è stato speciale" |publisher=Tribuna.com |language=Italian |last1=M. |first1=Mattia |date=6 June 2020 |access-date=21 May 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521235408/https://tribuna.com/it/news/juventus-2020-06-06-alex-del-piero-svela-i-suoi-gol-alla-del-piero-sicuramente-ce-quello-a-dortmund-e-stato-s/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|name="style3"|group="nb"}} His free-kick technique influenced several other players who came to be renowned for their prowess from dead-ball situations,<ref name="Baggio at 50"/> such as [[Alessandro Del Piero]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1998/gennaio/19/Baggio_meglio_casa_che_panchina_ga_0_9801194973.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Baggio, meglio a casa che in panchina: "sono schifato"|trans-title=Baggio, better at home than on the bench: "I'm disgusted"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Alessandra Bocci|author2=Silvano Stella|date=19 January 1998|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-date=24 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052524/http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1998/gennaio/19/Baggio_meglio_casa_che_panchina_ga_0_9801194973.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Andrea Pirlo]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2005/c/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/pirlo/pirlo/pirlo.html|title=Pirlo l'uomo nuovo "Ho imparato guardando Baggio"|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|last=Currò|first=Enrico|date=29 March 2005|access-date=16 May 2012|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130134042/https://www.repubblica.it/2005/c/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/pirlo/pirlo/pirlo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During his time with Juventus, his free kick technique was described as a cross between that of [[Diego Maradona|Maradona]]'s, [[Zico (footballer)|Zico]]'s, and Platini's, as at the time, his ball-striking technique was thought to resemble Platini's, although, like Zico and Maradona, he preferred to take free kicks from close range, usually from a distance of around 20 to 16 metres from the goal, or even just outside the area, and to have the ball touched by a teammate first before striking it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/24/Del_Piero_Tira_alla_Platini_co_0_951024456.shtml|title=Del Piero? Tira alla Platini|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=24 October 1995|page=44|archive-url=https://archive.today/20151106152619/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/24/Del_Piero_Tira_alla_Platini_co_0_951024456.shtml|archive-date=6 November 2015}}</ref> Despite his decisive miss in the 1994 World Cup final shootout, Baggio was also a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]] specialist.<ref name="The Score"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://francovaldevies.wordpress.com/tag/baggio-piu-rigori-segnati-e-calciati/|title=Record di Serie A: I rigoristi|language=it|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905020210/https://francovaldevies.wordpress.com/tag/baggio-piu-rigori-segnati-e-calciati/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although naturally right-footed,<ref name="Baggio, il fu nove e mezzo"/> Baggio was comfortable using either foot,<ref name=irishtimes.com/><ref name="100 Greatest Footballers EVER"/> and often began [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] with his left foot.<ref name="Baggio, il fu nove e mezzo">{{cite web|url=http://www.eatsport.net/2012/roberto-baggio-il-nove-e-mezzo/ |title=Roberto Baggio, il fu nove e mezzo |language=it |access-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604152313/http://www.eatsport.net/2012/roberto-baggio-il-nove-e-mezzo/ |archive-date= 4 June 2013 }}</ref> Not particularly imposing physically, or in the air, due to his diminutive stature and slender physique,<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref name=treccani.it/><ref name="Perfect 10">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/my-perfect-10-roberto-baggio|title=My Perfect 10: Roberto Baggio|magazine=FourFourTwo|date=30 August 2010|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214175807/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/my-perfect-10-roberto-baggio|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Other">{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/07/16/other-baggio-ready-to-step-into-heros-role-world-cup-1994/|title='Other' Baggio ready to step into hero's role WORLD CUP 1994|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|author1=Mike Preston|date=16 July 1994|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822125332/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1994-07-16/sports/1994197049_1_dino-baggio-roberto-baggio-world-cup|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/06/17/part-maradona-part-madonna-bag-gio-takes-the-stage/596302f7-4e45-466d-adae-a0ac80015a7b/ |title=Part Maradona, Part Madonna, Bag-gio Takes The Stage |newspaper=The Washington Post |last1=Gildea |first1=William |date=17 June 1994 |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728114004/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/06/17/part-maradona-part-madonna-bag-gio-takes-the-stage/596302f7-4e45-466d-adae-a0ac80015a7b/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he was known however for his pace and acceleration over short distances, which, along with his movement, positioning, anticipation, technical ability, quick feet, low centre of gravity, and resulting agility,<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref name="ricerca.gelocal.it"/><ref name="Mito Baggio in 10 motivi">{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/22-02-2010/mito-baggio-10-motivi-603085441092.shtml|title=Mito Baggio in 10 motivi|trans-title=Baggio A Legend in 10 reasons|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Germano Bovolenta|date=22 February 2010|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111061322/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/22-02-2010/mito-baggio-10-motivi-603085441092.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Guardiola's world"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxDbam1w3NU&t=131s | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113956/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxDbam1w3NU&t=131s| archive-date=28 July 2020 | url-status=dead|title=Football's Greatest – Roberto Baggio |publisher=Youtube |date=27 March 2020 |access-date=31 March 2020 }}</ref> allowed him to lose his markers when making offensive runs into the area, both on and off the ball.<ref name="Falcone"/><ref name="ricerca.gelocal.it"/><ref name="Guardiola's world">{{cite web |url=http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2018/09/13/5b9acb67ca474190068b463e.html |title=Guardiola's world: Cruyff, the best Real Madrid and how the Premier League sells itself |publisher=Marca.com |date=13 September 2018 |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-date=29 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000253/http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2018/09/13/5b9acb67ca474190068b463e.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="polvere-derby">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/marzo/12/Hodgson_Baggio_stelle_polvere_derby_co_0_96031210093.shtml|title=Hodgson Baggio, stelle e polvere di derby|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=12 March 1996|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=8 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108031509/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/marzo/12/Hodgson_Baggio_stelle_polvere_derby_co_0_96031210093.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Italy's All-Time No 10s">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/46195/italys-all-time-no-10s|title=Italy's All-Time No 10s|publisher=Football Italia|date=9 March 2014|access-date=19 July 2015|archive-date=22 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722022705/http://www.football-italia.net/46195/italys-all-time-no-10s|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarded as one of the greatest dribblers ever,<ref name="incredibile"/><ref name="Caro Balotelli">{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/2015/09/18-4151694/veltroni_intervista_baggio_vi_racconto_il_mio_calcio/|title=Veltroni intervista Baggio: "Caro Balotelli, ascoltami"|trans-title=Veltroni Baggio interview: "Dear Balotelli, listen to me"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|author1=Walter Veltroni|date=18 September 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925085648/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/2015/09/18-4151694/veltroni_intervista_baggio_vi_racconto_il_mio_calcio/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/15/the-joy-of-six-great-dribbles|title=The Joy of Six: Great dribbles|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Scott Murray|date=15 October 2010|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924010036/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/15/the-joy-of-six-great-dribbles|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037524-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history|title=50 Greatest Dribblers in World Football History|website=Bleacher Report|author1=Allan Jiang|date=25 January 2012|access-date=22 December 2017|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102830/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037524-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1506625-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history |title=50 Greatest Dribblers in World Football History |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Tighe |first1=Sam |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=8 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/08/7-greatest-dribblers-of-all-time/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730004140/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/08/7-greatest-dribblers-of-all-time/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 July 2020 |title=7 Greatest Dribblers of All Time |publisher=www.hitc.com |last1=Harmer |first1=Alfie Potts |date=8 November 2018 |access-date=8 April 2020 }}</ref> and as one of the most technically accomplished players of all time,{{#tag:ref|See <ref name="incredibile">{{cite book|last1=Altafini|first1=José|last2=Pardo|first2=Pierluigi|title=Incredibile amici! Il mio manuale del calcio|date=2009|publisher=Rizzoli Libri|location=Milan|isbn=978-88-58-60527-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9GfZROD1giwC&q=incredibile+amici+jose+altafini&pg=PT5|access-date=14 February 2017|language=it}}</ref><ref name="Golazos galore"/><ref name="first touches">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/nov/11/joy-of-six-first-touches-bergkamp|title=The Joy of Six: football first touches|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Rob Smyth|date=11 November 2011|access-date=22 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/17_gennaio_11/da-buffon-riva-gioco-infinito-squadra-ideale-80a67d42-d83a-11e6-9dfa-46bea8378d9f.shtml|title=Da Buffon a Riva, il gioco infinito della squadra ideale|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Mario Sconcerti|date=11 January 2017|access-date=13 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="enemiga">{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/futbol/futbol-internacional/2017/02/18/58a76624ca4741622c8b45e5.html|title=Roberto Baggio: la coleta rebelde enemiga del 'catenaccio' que falló el penalti de su vida|newspaper=Marca|language=it|author1=Alberto Ortega|author2=Joseba Arroyo|date=18 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="Baggio va ricordato">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/fiorentina/2017/02/18/news/fiorentina_sousa-158621178/|title=Fiorentina, Sousa: "Saponara può giocare col Milan. E Baggio va ricordato sempre"|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author=Matteo Dovellini|date=18 February 2017|access-date=18 February 2017}}</ref>|name="style4"|group="nb"}} Baggio possessed an excellent first touch,<ref name="flowering"/><ref name="100 Greatest Footballers EVER">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-60-51?page=0%2C1|title=FourFourTwo's 100 Greatest Footballers Ever: 60 to 51|magazine=FourFourTwo|author1=Alex Hess|date=25 July 2017|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407150318/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-100-greatest-footballers-ever-60-51%3Fpage%3D0,1|archive-date=7 April 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="first touches"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/baggio-5x10-ricordo-i-quarti-di-francia-98-pochi-centimetri-e-roby-cambiava-la-storia-di-quel-mondiale-angelo-di-livio-racconta |title=Baggio 5x10: "Ricordo i quarti di Francia '98: pochi centimetri e Roby cambiava la storia di quel mondiale" Angelo Di Livio racconta Baggio |publisher=Gianluca Di Marzio |language=it |last1=Caruso |first1=Francesco |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=18 September 2021 }}</ref> and was renowned for his skilful dribbling, ball control and balance, as well as his spatial awareness, speed of thought and execution, reactions, close control at speed, and ability to beat opponents with flair, tricks, body [[Dummy (football)|feints]], or sudden changes of pace or direction, both in one-on-one situations, or during individual dribbling runs.{{#tag:ref|See <ref name="A History of the Gala"/><ref name="Roberto Baggio detto Roby">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/roberto-baggio-detto-roby/ |title=Roberto Baggio detto Roby |publisher=Ultimo Uomo |language=it |last1=Piri |first1=Stefano |date=14 November 2016 |access-date=17 April 2020 }}</ref><ref name="The Score"/><ref name=irishtimes.com/><ref name="ricerca.gelocal.it">{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/1997/07/15/LA303.html|title=Professione fantasista in un calcio sempre più muscolare Scatto, dribbling, fiuto del gol Ecco le armi del Divin Codino|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author=Renzo Marmugi|date=15 July 1997|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107141239/http://ricerca.gelocal.it/iltirreno/archivio/iltirreno/1997/07/15/LA303.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Italy's All-Time No 10s"/><ref name="Il calciatore italiano numero uno? Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="gentlemanultra-TomGD">{{cite web |url=https://gentlemanultra.com/2016/07/20/the-transfer-that-sparked-a-riot-baggio-to-juventus-1990/ |title=The transfer that sparked a riot: Baggio to Juventus (1990) |publisher=gentlemanultra.com |author1=Tom Guerriero-Davies |date=20 July 2016 |access-date=7 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_92_lessons-in-calcio-roberto-baggio.html#.XYUzxyV7mL8 |title=Lessons in Calcio - Roberto Baggio |publisher=www.footballitaliano.co.uk |last1=Jackson |first1=Steve |date=13 January 2009 |access-date=20 September 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806202357/http://www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_92_lessons-in-calcio-roberto-baggio.html#.XYUzxyV7mL8 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/core/world-cup/story/_/page/worldcup101-05142010/ce/us/ruud-gull-all-time-no-10s |title=Perfect 10s |publisher=ESPN FC |last1=Gullit |first1=Ruud |newspaper=Espn.com |date=14 May 2010 |access-date=8 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2006/aprile/11/Zola_futuro_coi_giovani_cuore_ga_10_0604117520.shtml |title=Zola, futuro coi giovani e cuore rossoblù "Sono certo che il mio Cagliari ce la farà" |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last1=Timossi |first1=Giampiero |last2=Gozzini |first2=Alessandra |date=11 April 2006 |access-date=16 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bresciaoggi.it/argomenti/sport/baggio-fantastico-una-fortuna-giocare-con-lui-1.6146449?refresh_ce |title="Baggio fantastico: una fortuna giocare con lui" |work=Brescia Oggi |language=Italian |date=5 December 2017 |access-date=22 May 2021 }}</ref>|name="style5"|group="nb"}} Zico once described Baggio as "technically flawless,"<ref name="distrusted"/> while [[Gianluigi Buffon]], in his 2008 autobiography ''Numero 1'', described Baggio as the "most technical player" with whom he had ever shared a pitch, adding that his touch and ball control were "unique".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Buffon |first1=Gianluigi |last2=Perrone |first2=Roberto |title=Numero 1 |date=2008 |publisher=Rizzoli |isbn=9788817024389 |page=170 |url=https://www.rizzolilibri.it/libri/numero-1/?isbn=9788817041522 |language=it |access-date=23 September 2023 }}</ref> In 2004, Sacchi stated: "Baggio is creativity, flair, unpredictability, intuition, harmony."<ref name="più grandi del loro talento"/> In 2016, Rob Smyth of ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised Baggio for his "instinctive intelligence", when commenting on his playing style, also describing him as a "conductor" on the pitch "who knew when and how to change the tempo of an attack".<ref name="Golden Goal: Roberto Baggio for Juventus against Internazionale (1992)">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/jul/22/golden-goal-roberto-baggio-for-juventus-against-internazionale-1992 |title=Golden Goal: Roberto Baggio for Juventus against Internazionale (1992) |work=The Guardian |last1=Smyth |first1=Rob |date=22 July 2016 |access-date=17 April 2020 }}</ref>