Editing Roberto Baggio (section)

== Club career ==

=== 1976–1985: Early career and Vicenza ===
[[File:Roberto Baggio - Lanerossi Vicenza.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Baggio on his debut with [[Lanerossi Vicenza|Vicenza]]]]

Baggio began his youth career after being noticed by his hometown youth team, Caldogno, at age nine. By the time he turned 11, he had scored 45 goals and provided 20 assists in 26 matches, also scoring six goals in one match. His talent was recognised by scout Antonio Mora, and he was acquired by the [[L.R. Vicenza Virtus|Vicenza]] youth team at age 13 for £300 (500,000 Lit). After scoring 110 goals in 120 matches, Baggio began his professional career with the Vicenza senior side in 1983, at age 15.<ref name="Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio">{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasista10.co.uk/roberto-baggio/|title=Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio|publisher=fantasista10.co.uk|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528011232/http://www.fantasista10.co.uk/roberto-baggio/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="battezzò">{{cite news |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2004/02/15/la-samp-battezzo-il-codino.html |title=E la Samp battezzò il Codino |newspaper=La Repubblica |language=it |last=Mangini |first=Lorenzo |date=15 February 2004 |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190258/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2004/02/15/la-samp-battezzo-il-codino.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the age of 16, Baggio made his [[Serie C1]] debut with Vicenza on 5 June 1983, a 1–0 home loss against [[Piacenza Calcio 1919|Piacenza]], in the final league match of the season, coming on as a second-half substitute. He scored his first goal in Serie C1 during [[1983–84 Serie C1|the following season]], on 3 June 1984, from a penalty in a 3–0 win against [[Brescia Calcio|Brescia]], the club with which he retired in 2004.<ref name="Baggio - Goals in Serie A"/><ref name="battezzò"/><ref name="golcalcio.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.golcalcio.it/Bag3002.htm|title=Roberto Baggio: Statistiche|website=gocalcio.it|language=it|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904011324/http://www.golcalcio.it/Bag3002.htm|archive-date=4 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/Itemid,3/action,detail/id,1376_02_1984_0152_0021_14595766/ |title=Inutile la vendemmiata del Vicenza sul Brescia |publisher=La Stampa Sera |page=7 |language=it |date=4 June 1984 |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619213941/http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/Itemid,3/action,detail/id,1376_02_1984_0152_0021_14595766/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.storiapiacenza1919.it/part82.htm#ViPc |title=Le partite della stagione 1982/1983 |publisher=www.storiapiacenza1919.it |language=it |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806172901/http://www.storiapiacenza1919.it/part82.htm#ViPc |url-status=live }}</ref> Baggio scored the first professional goal of his career in the [[Coppa Italia Serie C]] in a 4–1 away win over [[Legnano Calcio|Legnano]] on 30 November 1983.<ref name="Baggio - Goals in Serie A"/><ref name="golcalcio.it"/> He also made his [[Coppa Italia]] debut with the club on 31 August 1983, against [[U.S. Città di Palermo|Palermo]], and he scored his first [[1984–85 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] goal in a 4–2 away loss to [[Empoli F.C.|Empoli]], on 26 August 1984.<ref name="Baggio - Goals in Serie A"/><ref name="golcalcio.it"/> During the [[1984–85 Lanerossi Vicenza season|1984–85 Serie C1]] season under manager [[Bruno Giorgi (footballer)|Bruno Giorgi]], he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances, helping the club to gain promotion to [[Serie B]]. Baggio began to draw the attention of larger Italian clubs, in particular Serie A side [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]], and his playing style was compared to that of his idol [[Zico (footballer)|Zico]].<ref name="Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="battezzò"/> Baggio was also awarded the Guerin d'Oro in 1985 as the Best Player in Serie C1.<ref name="Roberto Baggio: Statistiche">{{cite web|url=http://www.robertobaggio.org/italian/statistiche.html|title=Roberto Baggio: Statistiche|website=robertobaggio.org|language=it|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810050521/http://www.robertobaggio.org/italian/statistiche.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the end of his final season at Vicenza, Baggio shattered both the [[anterior cruciate ligament]] (ACL) and the meniscus of his right knee while playing against [[Rimini Calcio|Rimini]] on 5 May 1985, while attempting a slide tackle. The injury occurred two days before his official transfer deal to Fiorentina had been finalised, and it seriously threatened his career, at age 18. Although several team doctors feared he would not play again, Fiorentina retained their faith in him, agreeing to commit to the transfer as well as fund the required surgery, one of many reasons for Baggio's attachment to the club.<ref name="Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/accade-oggi/21-settembre-1986-roberto-baggio-esordisce-in-serie-a-880064|title=21 settembre 1986, Roberto Baggio esordisce in Serie A|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web.com|language=it|author1=Gaetano Mocciaro|date=21 September 2016|access-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922140647/http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/accade-oggi/21-settembre-1986-roberto-baggio-esordisce-in-serie-a-880064|archive-date=22 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 1985–1990: Fiorentina ===
Fiorentina purchased Baggio in 1985 for £1.5&nbsp;million. During his time at the club, despite initial injuries, he became extremely popular, and is regarded as one of the club's best ever players.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiorentinacalcio.net/i-giocatori-che-hanno-fatto-la-storia-della-fiorentina-roberto-baggio/|title=I giocatori che hanno fatto la storia della Fiorentina: Roberto Baggio|publisher=FiorentinaCalcio.net|language=it|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=20 October 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141020054938/http://www.fiorentinacalcio.net/i-giocatori-che-hanno-fatto-la-storia-della-fiorentina-roberto-baggio/|url-status=live}}</ref> In his [[1985–86 A.C. Fiorentina season|first season]] with the club, Baggio did not appear in [[Serie A]] as he was sidelined by injury; Fiorentina finished in fifth place in the league and reached the semi-finals of the [[1985–86 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], with Baggio making his club debut in the latter competition. He finally made his [[Serie A]] debut the following season on 21 September 1986, in a 2–0 home win against [[U.C. Sampdoria|Sampdoria]],<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio">{{cite web|url=http://www.robertobaggio.org/italian/biografia.html|title=Biografia: Roberto Baggio|website=robertobaggio.org|language=it|access-date=19 January 2015|archive-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808054427/http://www.robertobaggio.org/italian/biografia.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/common/area_gazzetta/vhs/biog_baggio.htm |title=Biografia e Carriera di Baggio |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=19 April 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806195226/https://www.gazzetta.it/common/area_gazzetta/vhs/biog_baggio.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="A PASSION BEYOND THE GAME"/> and he also made his European debut that season on 17 September 1986, in an [[1986–87 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] match against [[Boavista F.C.|Boavista]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/report/europa-league-1986-1987-1-runde-acf-fiorentina-boavista/|title=Fiorentina vs. Boavista: 1-0|website=worldfootball.net|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084917/http://www.worldfootball.net/report/europa-league-1986-1987-1-runde-acf-fiorentina-boavista/|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio suffered another knee injury on 28 September, and he was operated again, requiring 220 stitches to have it rebuilt, losing 12&nbsp;kg as a result and missing most of the [[1986–87 A.C. Fiorentina season|season]].<ref name="au.fourfourtwo.com"/> Baggio returned, and scored his first league goal from a free-kick on 10 May 1987 in a 1–1 draw against [[Diego Maradona]]'s [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], the eventual Serie A champions; Baggio's equaliser saved Fiorentina from relegation.<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/>

{{Quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="The angels sing in his legs."|source=—Former Fiorentina manager [[Aldo Agroppi]] on Baggio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5673057/why-us-needs-true-no-10|title=The U.S. needs a true No. 10|publisher=ESPN|author1=David Hirshey|date=11 October 2010|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321171532/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5673057/why-us-needs-true-no-10|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Baggio led Fiorentina to a [[1988–89 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] quarter-final during the [[1988–89 A.C. Fiorentina season|1988–89 season]] under manager [[Sven-Göran Eriksson]], scoring nine goals, as Fiorentina were eliminated by eventual champions Sampdoria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcuptops.html |title=Coppa Italia Top Scorers |access-date=19 May 2012 |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029033413/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/italcuptops.html |archive-date=29 October 2015 }}</ref> This season would be Baggio's breakthrough, as he scored 15 goals in [[1988–89 Serie A|Serie A]], finishing third in the ''[[capocannoniere]]'' (top goalscorer) title. He also helped Fiorentina finish in seventh place in Serie A and win an [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] spot, assisting the only goal by [[Roberto Pruzzo]] in the tiebreak qualifier against [[A.S. Roma|Roma]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/news/2011/06/29/6522997.shtml|title=Il passato e' domani: Fiorentina in coppa Uefa|publisher=Mediaset.it|language=it|date=29 June 2011|access-date=19 January 2015|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119205444/http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/news/2011/06/29/6522997.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He formed a notable attacking partnership with [[Stefano Borgonovo]], and the pair scored 29 of Fiorentina's 44 Serie A goals, earning the nickname "B2".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/10/08/Baggio.shtml|title=Baggio: "Borgonovo? E' un eroe moderno"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=8 October 2008|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=11 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011004343/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2008/10/08/Baggio.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio's performances elevated him to hero status among the fans, and he drew praise from several pundits. His characteristics led former Fiorentina playmaker [[Miguel Montuori]] to say Baggio was "more productive than Maradona; he is without doubt the best [[Playmaker|number 10]] in the league", also stating that Baggio had "ice in his veins" due to his composure in front of goal.<ref name="Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio"/>

Although Fiorentina were struggling against relegation during the [[1989–90 A.C. Fiorentina season|1989–90 season]], Baggio led the club to the [[1990 UEFA Cup Final]], only to be defeated by his future club, [[Juventus FC|Juventus]].<ref name="huffingtonpost"/> Baggio scored 1 goal in 12 appearances in the competition, in a round of 16 1–0 home win against [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]], from a penalty, on 22 November 1989; this was his first goal in [[UEFA club competitions|European competitions]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2441--fiorentina-vs-dynamo-kyiv/|title=Fiorentina vs. Dinamo Kiev (1-0) UEFA Cup, 1989-90|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120023558/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1989/matches/round=620/match=2441/postmatch/statistics/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also scored the decisive penalty in the first round [[Penalty shootout (football)|shootout]] against [[Atlético Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.calcio.com/cronaca_partita/europa-league-1989-1990-1-runde-acf-fiorentina-atletico-madrid/|title=Fiorentina Atlético de Madrid: 0-1 (3-1)|publisher=calcio.com|language=it|access-date=13 January 2015|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119000543/http://www.calcio.com/cronaca_partita/europa-league-1989-1990-1-runde-acf-fiorentina-atletico-madrid/|url-status=live}}</ref> With 17 goals, Baggio was the second-highest goalscorer in the 1989–90 Serie A season after [[Marco van Basten]], and was awarded the [[Bravo Award]] as the best under-23 player in European competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.overnewsmagazine.com/legends-roberto-baggio/ |title=Legends: Roberto Baggio |access-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223214/http://www.overnewsmagazine.com/legends-roberto-baggio/ |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> He also placed eighth in the [[1990 Ballon d'Or]].<ref name="Ballon d'Or 1990">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy90.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1990|first=José Luis|last=Pierrend|date=26 March 2005|access-date=15 November 2013|website=[[RSSSF]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130314042336/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/europa-poy90.html|archive-date=14 March 2013}}</ref> With Fiorentina, Baggio scored 55 goals in 136 appearances, 39 of which were in Serie A, from 94 appearances.<ref name="Roberto Baggio: Statistiche"/>

=== 1990–1995: Juventus ===
{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="One game stands out in particular, one against [[U.S. Ancona 1905|Ancona]] [actually Udinese] which we won 5–1 [actually 5–0]. Baggio scored four goals in the first 20 minutes and killed the game off. I don't think I've seen a better performance from any player in any game I've ever played in. For half an hour, he was on fire. As footballers go, he's a genius."|source=—Former Juventus teammate [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]] on Baggio, 1995.<ref name="Fourfourtwo"/>}}
In 1990, Baggio was sold to [[ACF Fiorentina–Juventus F.C. rivalry|one of Fiorentina's rivals]], Juventus, for £8&nbsp;million, the [[World football transfer record|world record transfer]] for a footballer at the time.<ref name="Record"/> He inherited the [[Squad number (association football)|number 10 shirt]], formerly worn by [[Michel Platini]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/17_luglio_25/da-platini-del-piero-tutti-numeri-10-juventus-aspettando-bernardeschi-fc1f9762-70f9-11e7-97e0-849a9c15ef13.shtml|title=Da Platini a Del Piero, tutti i numeri 10 della Juventus aspettando Bernardeschi|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=25 July 2017|access-date=26 July 2017|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829175957/http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/17_luglio_25/da-platini-del-piero-tutti-numeri-10-juventus-aspettando-bernardeschi-fc1f9762-70f9-11e7-97e0-849a9c15ef13.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the transfer, there were riots on the streets of [[Florence]], where 50 people were injured.<ref name="pro-paul">{{cite web |url=http://www.pro-paul.net/baggio/special/sportsillustrated.html |title=Roberto Baggio's World |publisher=pro-paul.net |access-date=2 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203085652/http://www.pro-paul.net/baggio/special/sportsillustrated.html |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Baggio replied to his fans, saying: "I was compelled to accept the transfer."<ref name="nytimes.com"/>

When Juventus played Fiorentina on 7 April 1991, Baggio refused to take a penalty, stating Fiorentina goalkeeper [[Gianmatteo Mareggini]] knew him too well. However, [[Luigi De Agostini]], Baggio's replacement, missed the penalty and Juventus eventually lost the match. When Baggio was substituted, he picked up a Fiorentina scarf thrown onto the field, a gesture which, although appreciated by his former club's fans, caused outrage among the Juventus supporters, who were initially reluctant to accept Baggio. He claimed to be "always purple" in his heart, with purple being the colour of Fiorentina.<ref name="Le sfide nel segno di Baggio">{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2009/03/12/bagnati.shtml|title=Le sfide nel segno di Baggio R.|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author=Giuseppe Bagnati|date=12 March 2009|access-date=18 June 2012|archive-date=16 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016205143/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2009/03/12/bagnati.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

In this [[1990–91 Serie A|first season]] at Juventus, Baggio scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in Serie A, often playing behind the forwards under [[Luigi Maifredi]], although Juventus finished in seventh place in Serie A, outside the European qualification spots. However, Juventus did reach the semi-finals of the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|European Cup Winners' Cup]] [[1990–91 European Cup Winners' Cup|that year]], a tournament in which Baggio was top scorer with nine goals, bringing his seasonal total to 27 goals. Juventus would ultimately be eliminated by [[Johan Cruyff]]'s [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] "Dream Team". Juventus were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the [[1990–91 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] to eventual winners Roma, with Baggio scoring three goals. Juventus also lost the [[1990 Supercoppa Italiana|Supercoppa Italiana]] against Napoli at the beginning of the season; Baggio scored Juventus's only goal from a free-kick.<ref name="Roberto Baggio detto Roby"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mondi.it/almanacco/voce/17028|title=La Supercoppa italiana al Napoli|publisher=Mondi.it|language=it|access-date=12 February 2015|archive-date=12 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212130436/http://www.mondi.it/almanacco/voce/17028|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio made his 100th Serie A appearance in a 0–0 draw against [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] on 21 October 1990.<ref name="golcalcio.it" />

In his [[1991–92 Serie A|second season]], under new manager [[Giovanni Trapattoni]], Baggio finished runner-up to Marco van Basten for the Serie A [[Capocannoniere|top scorer title]], scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/ital92.html|title=Italy Championship 1991/92|author1=Maurizio Mariani|date=31 October 2000|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=3 April 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030403001439/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/ital92.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as Juventus finished runners-up to [[Fabio Capello]]'s [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] in Serie A,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=2012/m=5/news=eight-goal-milan-make-history-foggia-1637247.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922131704/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2012/m=5/news=eight-goal-milan-make-history-foggia-1637247.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2015|title=Eight-goal Milan make history in Foggia|publisher=FIFA.com|date=24 May 2012|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> and to [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]] in the [[1991–92 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia final]], in which Baggio scored in his club's 1–0 victory in the first leg from a penalty.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcup92.html|title=Coppa Italia 1991/92|author1=Roberto Di Maggio|date=17 November 2005|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023013420/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcup92.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was during his second season with the club that Baggio came to be accepted by the Juventus fans, as he was seen as a leader around whom the club's play revolved.<ref name="Baggio, il nome della Juve">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/febbraio/18/Baggio_nome_della_Juve_co_0_92021815209.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|title=Baggio, il nome della Juve|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Luca Valdiserri|date=18 February 1992|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925112030/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/febbraio/18/Baggio_nome_della_Juve_co_0_92021815209.shtml?refresh_ce-cp|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Trapattoni often deployed Baggio in a more advanced role,<ref name="Baggio, il nome della Juve"/> which led to minor disagreements between the player, his coach<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/dicembre/05/Trapattoni_Baggio_divorzio_non_fine_co_0_92120516884.shtml|title=Trapattoni a Baggio: " divorzio? non e' la fine del mondo "|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=5 December 1992|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119034714/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/dicembre/05/Trapattoni_Baggio_divorzio_non_fine_co_0_92120516884.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/04/Baggio_firma_armistizio_con_Trapattoni_co_0_9211045619.shtml|title=Baggio firma l' armistizio con Trapattoni|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=4 November 1992|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029060456/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/04/Baggio_firma_armistizio_con_Trapattoni_co_0_9211045619.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and Juventus management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/30/Baggio_trasmette_malumore_diretta_societa_co_0_92113011383.shtml|title=Baggio trasmette il malumore in diretta: " la societa' deve difendermi dalle critiche "|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=30 November 1992|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120224855/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/30/Baggio_trasmette_malumore_diretta_societa_co_0_92113011383.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Baggio was appointed [[List of Juventus F.C. players#Club captains|team]] [[Captain (association football)|captain]] for the [[1992–93 Serie A|1992–93 season]]. He had a dominant season, winning the only European club trophy of his career after helping Juventus to the [[1992–93 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] [[1993 UEFA Cup Final|final]], in which he scored twice and assisted another goal over both legs, defeating [[Borussia Dortmund]] 6–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/maggio/06/Juve_vince_Coppa_prenotata_co_0_9305068330.shtml|title=la Juve vince 3 1 Coppa prenotata|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=6 May 1993|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105025526/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/maggio/06/Juve_vince_Coppa_prenotata_co_0_9305068330.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> ''En route'' to the final, Baggio scored two goals in the 2–1 home victory against [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]], in the first leg of the semi-final, and he went on to score the only goal in the return leg.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/aprile/07/tutto_Baggio_Juve_puo_sperare_co_0_9304074051.shtml|title=Tutto Baggio e la Juve puo' sperare|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=7 April 1993|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=26 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026021614/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/aprile/07/tutto_Baggio_Juve_puo_sperare_co_0_9304074051.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/aprile/23/Juve_vola_sulle_ali_Baggio_co_0_9304231569.shtml|title=La Juve vola sulle ali di Baggio|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=23 April 1993|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074903/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/aprile/23/Juve_vola_sulle_ali_Baggio_co_0_9304231569.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Juventus also reached the semi-finals of the [[1992–93 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], losing on away goals to [[Derby della Mole|local rivals]] and winners [[Torino F.C.|Torino]]. Juventus finished fourth in Serie A that season, although they managed a 3–1 away win against the Serie A champions Milan, with Baggio scoring a memorable individual goal while also setting-up [[Andreas Möller]]'s first goal of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaziojuve.it/2014/milan-juve-secolo-suon-goal/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212083330/http://www.spaziojuve.it/2014/milan-juve-secolo-suon-goal/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 February 2015|title=Milan-Juve, da più di un secolo a suon di goal|website=spaziojuve.it|language=it|access-date=11 February 2015}}</ref> One of the highlights of the season involved Baggio scoring four goals in open play against [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] in a 5–0 Juventus home win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/10/Baggio_Van_Basten_gol_perpetuo_co_0_9211106953.shtml|title=Baggio. Van Basten, il gol perpetuo|trans-title=Baggio. Van Basten, the perpetual goal|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=10 November 1992|access-date=25 May 2014|archive-date=5 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305123217/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1992/novembre/10/Baggio_Van_Basten_gol_perpetuo_co_0_9211106953.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio was once again runner-up for the Serie A ''capocannoniere'' title with 21 goals and 6 assists. He scored a personal best of 30 goals in all club competitions that season, in addition to five goals with the Italy national team. During the 1993 calendar year, Baggio managed a personal record 39 goals across all competitions, scoring 23 goals in Serie A, 3 in the Coppa Italia, 8 goals in European competitions and 5 goals for Italy, helping his national side qualify for the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golcalcio.it/Bag3001.htm|title=Roberto Baggio: Tutti i suoi Gol e le sue Statistiche|website=golcalcio.it|language=it|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904011353/http://www.golcalcio.it/Bag3001.htm|archive-date=4 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Baggio's performances throughout the year earned him both the [[European Footballer of the Year]], with 142 points from a possible 150,<ref name="Ballon d'Or 1993">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy93.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1993|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=6 February 2014|archive-date=28 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728123529/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy93.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[FIFA World Player of the Year]] awards.<ref name="FIFA 94" /> He was also awarded the [[Onze d'Or]],<ref name="Onze Mondial Awards"/> and the [[World Soccer (magazine)|World Soccer Player of the Year Award]].<ref name="ws"/>

In the [[1993–94 Serie A|1993–94 season]], Baggio often played as a second striker alongside [[Gianluca Vialli]] or [[Fabrizio Ravanelli]], and occasionally the young Alessandro Del Piero;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/giugno/14/Baggio_Del_Piero_Trapattoni_gia_co_0_98061413824.shtml|title=Baggio Del Piero? Trapattoni lo ha gia' fatto|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=14 June 1998|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119082443/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/giugno/14/Baggio_Del_Piero_Trapattoni_gia_co_0_98061413824.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/agosto/06/esce_Ravanelli_Juve_Baggio_rimonta_co_0_9308067950.shtml|title=Esce Ravanelli e la Juve di Baggio rimonta e vince|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=6 August 1993|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118070623/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/agosto/06/esce_Ravanelli_Juve_Baggio_rimonta_co_0_9308067950.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Juventus once again finished runners up to Milan in Serie A, and Baggio finished third in the ''capocannoniere'' title with 17 goals and 8 assists, while the club suffered a quarter-final elimination in the [[1993–94 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] against [[Cagliari Calcio|Cagliari]]. On 31 October 1993, Baggio scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]], which included his 100th Serie A goal; he also set up a goal for Möller during the match.<ref name="Baggio - Goals in Serie A"/><ref name="golcalcio.it"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-il-ricordo-della-tripletta-di-baggio-al-genoa-video-25181 |title=Juve, il ricordo della tripletta di Baggio al Genoa Video |publisher=www.calciomercato.com |language=it |date=18 October 2018 |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019205645/https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-il-ricordo-della-tripletta-di-baggio-al-genoa-video-25181 |url-status=live }}</ref> Baggio made his 200th Serie A appearance on 5 December 1993 in a 1–0 win over Napoli.<ref name="golcalcio.it"/> After sustaining an injury earlier that season, Baggio was operated on his meniscus in March 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/marzo/08/Baggio_menisco_sara_operato_dopo_co_0_94030810043.shtml|title=Baggio, e' menisco: sara' operato dopo Juve Cagliari|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=8 March 1994|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125183130/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/marzo/08/Baggio_menisco_sara_operato_dopo_co_0_94030810043.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio placed second in the [[1994 Ballon d'Or]],<ref name="Baggio elogia Stoichkov"/> third in the [[1994 FIFA World Player of the Year]],<ref name="FIFA 94"/> and was awarded the 1994 Onze de Bronze.<ref name="Onze Mondial Awards"/>

In the [[1994–95 Serie A|1994–95 season]], Trapattoni's replacement, [[Marcello Lippi]], wanted to create a more cohesive team, less dependent on Baggio,<ref name=oppression>{{cite web|last=Gates|first=Emmet|date=15 March 2013|title=The Oppression of Roberto Baggio|url=https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/03/the-oppression-of-roberto-baggio/|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Forza Italian Football|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025000140/https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2013/03/the-oppression-of-roberto-baggio/|url-status=live}}</ref> who was deployed as an outside forward in a [[Formation (association football)#4–3–3|4–3–3 formation]].<ref name="corriere2">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/agosto/17/disoccupato_Roberto_Baggio_prova_stregare_co_0_0008178872.shtml|title=Il "disoccupato" Roberto Baggio prova a stregare il Real Madrid alla festa della Francia pigliatutto|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=17 August 2000|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120105554/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/agosto/17/disoccupato_Roberto_Baggio_prova_stregare_co_0_0008178872.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio was injured for most of the season, being ruled out for over three months after sustaining a knee injury against [[Padova Calcio|Padova]] on 27 November 1994. After scoring from a free-kick, he was substituted by Alessandro Del Piero, who temporarily took his place in the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/aprile/25/Baggio_Zola_varata_coppia_impossibile_co_0_9504251849.shtml|title=Baggio Zola, varata la coppia impossibile " Il goleador del Parma avrebbe giocato comunque, l' altro mi e' piaciuto col Borussia " " Uno dei due mi ha detto: un anno fa avrei rifiutato, adesso sono pronto "|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=25 April 1995|access-date=31 May 2014|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126221454/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/aprile/25/Baggio_Zola_varata_coppia_impossibile_co_0_9504251849.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio returned to the starting line-up in the first leg of the [[1994–95 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] semi-final against [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] in [[Rome]] on 8 March 1995, setting up Fabrizio Ravanelli's winner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaziojuve.it/2012/11-giugno-1995-la-juventus-vince-la-nona-coppa-italia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622081314/http://www.spaziojuve.it/2012/11-giugno-1995-la-juventus-vince-la-nona-coppa-italia/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 June 2012|title=11 giugno 1995, la Juventus vince la nona Coppa Italia|website=spaziojuve.it|language=it|date=11 June 2012|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref> On his first Serie A match back from injury, on 12 March 1995, Baggio scored Juventus' second goal in a 2–0 win over [[Foggia Calcio|Foggia]], and set up Ravanelli's goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/it/serie-a-tim/match-report/-/match-report/Juventus-Foggia/4190s |title=Juventus-Foggia, 12 Marzo 1995 (2-0) |publisher=legaseriea.it |language=it |date=12 March 1995 |access-date=29 August 2014 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Due to his injury, Baggio only managed 17 Serie A appearances, but still contributed to his first ''[[scudetto]]'' with Juventus by contributing eight goals and eight assists.<ref name="altervista">{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/roberto-baggio.html|title=Storie di Calcio: Roberto Baggio, Il Poeta Errante|publisher=Storie di Caldio|language=it|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=18 January 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118020646/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/roberto-baggio.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="spaziomilan.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.spaziomilan.it/2012/02/3-baggio-immensa-fantasia-poche-parole-tanti-litigi/|title=#3 – Baggio: immensa fantasia, poche parole, tanti litigi|website=spaziomilan.it|language=it|date=3 February 2012|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225124356/https://www.spaziomilan.it/2012/02/3-baggio-immensa-fantasia-poche-parole-tanti-litigi/|url-status=live}}</ref> He provided assists for three of the goals in the title-deciding match against Parma, which Juventus won 4–0 in [[Turin]] on 21 May 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.juvenewsradio.it/21-maggio-1995-juventus-parma-4-0-di-nuovo-scudetto-dopo-nove-anni-di-digiuno/ |title=21 maggio 1995, Juventus-Parma 4-0: di nuovo scudetto dopo nove anni di digiuno! |publisher=Juventus News Radio |access-date=7 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107131720/http://www.juvenewsradio.it/21-maggio-1995-juventus-parma-4-0-di-nuovo-scudetto-dopo-nove-anni-di-digiuno/ |archive-date=7 January 2015 }}</ref> He helped Juventus win the [[1994–95 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] that year, notching two goals and two assists, scoring the winning goal in the second leg of the semi-final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcup95.html|title=Coppa Italia 1994/95|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-date=27 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927201346/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italcup95.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He helped lead Juventus to another [[1994–95 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup final]] by scoring four goals, including two goals and an assist over both legs of the semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/51596--juventus-vs-b-dortmund/|title=Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund, UEFA Cup, 1994-95 (2-2)|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928195449/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1994/matches/round=655/match=51596/postmatch/lineups/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/aprile/19/sigillo_Baggio_Juve_Parma_co_0_9504191004.shtml|title=Il sigillo di Baggio su Juve Parma|trans-title=Baggio's seal on Juve Parma|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=19 April 1995|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126214440/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/aprile/19/sigillo_Baggio_Juve_Parma_co_0_9504191004.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/coppa_uefa/UEFA_94_95.html|title=La vendetta dell'ex si abbatte sulla Juventus|trans-title=The ex's revenge strikes against Juventus|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150107170732/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/coppa_uefa/UEFA_94_95.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite Baggio's strong performance, Juventus were defeated in the [[1995 UEFA Cup Final|UEFA Cup final]] by Parma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/maggio/19/Juve_ora_roviniamo_festa_scudetto_co_0_9505195514.shtml|title=Juve, ora ti roviniamo la festa scudetto|trans-title=Juve, now we will ruin your scudetto celebrations|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=19 May 1995|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=5 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105175857/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/maggio/19/Juve_ora_roviniamo_festa_scudetto_co_0_9505195514.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Baggio scored 115 goals in 200 appearances during his five seasons at Juventus; 78 were scored in Serie A in 141 appearances.<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc-now.co.uk/sport/0/football/23078711|title=Carlos Tevez: Striker proud to take Juventus number 10 shirt|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200113/http://www.bbc-now.co.uk/sport/0/football/23078711|archive-date=2 June 2014}}</ref> In 1995, Baggio was nominated for the [[1995 Ballon d'Or|Ballon d'Or]] and placed fifth in the [[1995 FIFA World Player of the Year|1995 FIFA World Player of the Year Award]].<ref name="FIFA Awards – World Player of the Year - Top 10"/> He was also awarded the 1995 Onze d'Argent Award, behind [[George Weah]].<ref name="Onze Mondial Awards"/> Baggio is currently [[List of Juventus F.C. records and statistics#All-time top 10 goalscorers|Juventus' ninth-highest goalscorer in all competitions]],<ref name="MyJuve-Statistiche: Reti">{{cite web|url=http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/riassunto_reti_segnate.aspx|title=Statistiche: Reti|publisher=myjuve.it|language=it|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-date=24 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324043838/http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/riassunto_reti_segnate.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the joint tenth-highest goalscorer for Juventus in Serie A, alongside [[Pietro Anastasi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/classifica-reti_segnate-campionato_serie_a-SerA.aspx|title=Statistiche: Reti - Campionato Serie A|publisher=myjuve.it|language=it|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-date=13 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813032540/http://www.myjuve.it/statistiche-giocatori-juventus/classifica-reti_segnate-campionato_serie_a-SerA.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the sixth-highest Juventus goalscorer in the Coppa Italia with 14 goals, and is also the joint fourth all-time Juventus goalscorer in European competitions, as well as the joint fifth all-time Juventus goalscorer in international competitions, with 22 goals, alongside Anastasi once again.<ref name="MyJuve-Statistiche: Reti"/> In 2010, he was named one of the club's 50 greatest legends.<ref name="Juve, 50 stelle da onorare">{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2010/04/19-64719/Juve,+50+stelle+da+onorare|title=Juve, 50 stelle da onorare|publisher=Tutto Sport|language=it|date=19 April 2010|access-date=11 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912004457/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2010/04/19-64719/Juve,+50+stelle+da+onorare|archive-date=12 September 2014}}</ref>

=== 1995–1997: AC Milan ===
{{Quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="Baggio on the bench? It's something that I will never understand in my lifetime."|source=—[[Zinedine Zidane]] on Baggio starting on the bench.<ref name=oppression/>}}
In 1995, Marcello Lippi, [[Roberto Bettega]] and [[Umberto Agnelli]] announced that Baggio no longer featured in their plans at Juventus and decided to focus on the emerging star Alessandro Del Piero, who would inherit Baggio's number 10 shirt.<ref name="spaziomilan.it"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/dicembre/27/Baggio_Pallone_oro_sente_solo_co_0_94122714160.shtml|title=Baggio, l' ex " Pallone d' oro " si sente solo|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=27 December 1994|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=12 March 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140312063712/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/dicembre/27/Baggio_Pallone_oro_sente_solo_co_0_94122714160.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/11/sports/11iht-rob.t.html|title=Juventus Gambles on Youth : Soccer's Old Lady Prefers Younger Men|work=The New York Times|first=Rob|last=Hughes|date=11 September 1996|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=23 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123035903/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/11/sports/11iht-rob.t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio faced difficulties with Agnelli, [[Luciano Moggi]], and Juventus management during his final season, as they stated they would only renew his contract if he reduced his salary by 50%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/giugno/26/una_sorpresa_nel_bilancio_Juve_co_0_95062611792.shtml|title=C' e' una sorpresa nel bilancio Juve Vialli guadagna la meta' di Baggio|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=26 June 1995|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110146/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/giugno/26/una_sorpresa_nel_bilancio_Juve_co_0_95062611792.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="archiviostorico.corriere.it">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/giugno/01/Baggio_Juve_divorzio_davanti_agli_co_0_95060110928.shtml|title=Baggio Juve, divorzio davanti agli ultra'|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=1 June 1995|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153718/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/giugno/01/Baggio_Juve_divorzio_davanti_agli_co_0_95060110928.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After strong pressure from [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] chairman [[Silvio Berlusconi]] and manager Fabio Capello, Baggio was sold to the Milanese club for £6.8&nbsp;million, amidst several protests from Juventus fans.<ref name="archiviostorico.corriere.it"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/giugn/18/Baggio_Milan_anche_una_firma_co_0_95061813037.shtml|title=Baggio-Milan: Anche una Firma|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=18 June 1995|access-date=19 May 2012|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113948/http://archivio.corriere.it/Archivio/interface/landing.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/luglio/02/Tifosi_Baggio_manifestano_Umberto_Agnelli_co_0_9507022952.shtml|title=Tifosi di Baggio manifestano Umberto Agnelli: va al Milan|trans-title=Baggio's fans protest Umberto Agnelli: he's going to Milan|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=2 July 1995|access-date=19 May 2012|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090439/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/luglio/02/Tifosi_Baggio_manifestano_Umberto_Agnelli_co_0_9507022952.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, Baggio had been linked with [[Inter Milan]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1995/06/15/baggio-al-milan-ore-decisive.html|title=Baggio Al Milan, Ore Decisive|trans-title=Baggio to Milan, decisive hours|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=15 June 1995|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=9 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109230536/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1995/06/15/baggio-al-milan-ore-decisive.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]], and English [[Premier League]] clubs [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]].<ref name="distrusted">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/28/sport.comment|title=Loved by the people, distrusted by coaches, Baggio bows out|newspaper=The Guardian|author=Kevin McKarra|date=28 April 2004|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206221807/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/28/sport.comment|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although Baggio initially struggled with injuries at the beginning of his first season with Milan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/settembre/11/Milan_nel_tunnel_Baggio_fiuta_co_0_95091110931.shtml|title=Milan nel tunnel: Baggio fiuta l' uscita|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=11 September 1995|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222163915/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/settembre/11/Milan_nel_tunnel_Baggio_fiuta_co_0_95091110931.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/02/Roby_Baggio_infortuna_Meno_dilemmi_co_0_9510022887.shtml|title=Roby Baggio s' infortuna Meno dilemmi per il c. t.|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=2 October 1995|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208162816/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/ottobre/02/Roby_Baggio_infortuna_Meno_dilemmi_co_0_9510022887.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> he came back into the starting line-up and was appointed the main penalty taker.<ref name="altervista"/> He helped Milan win [[1995–96 Serie A|the Serie A title]], notably scoring a goal against his former team Fiorentina from a penalty in the title-deciding match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=cronomilan|title=15° scudetto rossonero|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|access-date=19 January 2015|archive-date=21 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121203742/http://cinquantamila.corriere.it/storyTellerThread.php?threadId=cronomilan|url-status=dead}}</ref> Baggio finished the season with 10 goals in all competitions, in 34 appearances; seven of his goals were scored in [[1995–96 Serie A|Serie A]], in 28 appearances, and he also provided 12 assists in Serie A, making him the top assist provider of the season. He became one of only six players to win the ''scudetto'' in consecutive years with different teams,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportzoom.it/serie-a-i-migliori-della-stagione-i-top-ruolo-per-ruolo/ |title=Serie A |language=it |access-date=10 August 2012 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109224734/http://www.sportzoom.it/serie-a-i-migliori-della-stagione-i-top-ruolo-per-ruolo/ |archive-date= 9 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="beaute">{{cite web |url=https://www.labeautedufootball.fr/2018/10/le-meilleur-ballon-dor-de-lhistoire-22eme-roberto-baggio/ |title=Le meilleur Ballon d'Or de l'Histoire : 22ème – Roberto Baggio |publisher=www.labeautedufootball.fr |language=fr |author1=Raphael Hassine |date=10 October 2018 |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623134554/https://www.labeautedufootball.fr/2018/10/le-meilleur-ballon-dor-de-lhistoire-22eme-roberto-baggio/ |archive-date=23 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and was voted the club's best player of the season by the fans, despite playing a more creative role.<ref name="altervista"/><ref name="p193">{{Cite book |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=978-0-553-82566-4 |last=Marcotti |first=Gabriele |title=Capello: The Man Behind England's World Cup Dream |year=2008 |page=[https://archive.org/details/capellomanbehind0000marc/page/193 193] |url=https://archive.org/details/capellomanbehind0000marc/page/193 }}</ref> Towards the end of the season, Baggio had disagreements with Capello due to limited playing time, as Capello believed he was no longer fit enough to play for 90 minutes; although Baggio frequently started matches, he was often substituted during the second half;<ref name="altervista"/><ref name="spaziomilan.it"/> during the course of the season, he only played nine matches in their entirety, being substituted on 17 occasions, and coming off the bench twice.<ref name="campione vero o mito sopravvalutato">{{cite web |url=https://www.ilposticipo.it/calcio/roberto-baggio-campione-vero-o-no/ |title=Roberto Baggio, campione vero o mito sopravvalutato? |publisher=Il Posticipo |last1=Stabile |first1=Adriano |language=it |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806172812/https://www.ilposticipo.it/calcio/roberto-baggio-campione-vero-o-no/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the opening of the [[1996–97 Serie A]] under new Milan manager [[Óscar Tabárez]], Baggio was initially left out of the first team, with the former commenting "[t]here is no place for poets in modern football."<ref name="FIFA 94"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/09/24/baggio-zidane-ciao-fantasia.html |title=Baggio – Zidane, Ciao Fantasia |work=La Repubblica |language=it |last1=Currò |first1=Enrico |date=24 September 1996 |access-date=20 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113955/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/09/24/baggio-zidane-ciao-fantasia.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Baggio was later able to convince the Uruguayan manager of his abilities and earn himself a spot in the starting line-up; he became the focal point of the team's offensive play, and was initially started in his preferred role behind George Weah, and on occasion as a left-winger or as a central-midfielder playmaker.<ref name="solocalcio">{{cite web|url=http://www.solocalcio.com/gallery/players/robaggio_uk.htm|title=Roby Baggio - SoloCalcio.com|website=solocalcio.com|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150209110622/http://www.solocalcio.com/gallery/players/robaggio_uk.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="trapianto"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/09/12/maldini-il-peggiore-in-campo.html |title=Maldini Il Peggiore In Campo |work=La Repubblica |language=it |date=12 September 1996 |access-date=20 April 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806161435/https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1996/09/12/maldini-il-peggiore-in-campo.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WON AC MILAN'S HEART">{{cite web |url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/celebration/2018-02-18/baggio-divin-codino-who-won-ac-milans-heart |title=Baggio, "Divin Codino" Who Won AC Milan's Heart |publisher=A.C. Milan |date=18 February 2018 |access-date=20 April 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728113956/https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/celebration |url-status=live }}</ref> After a series of disappointing results, Baggio was relegated to the bench,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/novembre/10/Baggio_che_sorpresa_felice_Take_co_0_9611105638.shtml|title=Baggio, che sorpresa! Fa felice il Take That|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=10 November 1996|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165557/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/novembre/10/Baggio_che_sorpresa_felice_Take_co_0_9611105638.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and Milan's former coach [[Arrigo Sacchi]], also the former Italy manager with whom Baggio had argued following the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994 World Cup]], was called in as a replacement.<ref name="spaziomilan.it"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/giugno/30/Sacchi_Baggio_attenti_quei_due_co_0_94063014123.shtml|title=Sacchi e Baggio, attenti a quei due|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=30 June 1994|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165210/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/giugno/30/Sacchi_Baggio_attenti_quei_due_co_0_94063014123.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Although their relationship initially improved,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/dicembre/19/Baggio_Milan_scoppia_pace_Resto_co_8_9612192566.shtml|title=Baggio Milan, scoppia la pace " Resto al servizio di Sacchi "|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=19 December 1996|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151801/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/dicembre/19/Baggio_Milan_scoppia_pace_Resto_co_8_9612192566.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Sacchi gave Baggio limited playing time, and he soon fell out of form, along with the rest of the squad, which caused their relationship to deteriorate again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1997/aprile/08/Arrigo_Codino_separati_casa_solo_co_0_9704084513.shtml|title=Arrigo e Codino separati in casa: solo Carmignani convince Baggio a giocare|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=8 April 1997|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093928/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1997/aprile/08/Arrigo_Codino_separati_casa_solo_co_0_9704084513.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Milan failed to retain their league title, finishing the season in a disappointing 11th place,<ref name="Tra Tabarez e il ritorno di Sacchi">{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/milan-c-era-anche-quando-si-stava-peggio-tutte-annate-dimenticare/quel-ritorno-dell-arrigo.shtml|title=Milan: c'era anche quando si stava peggio, tutte le annate da dimenticare: Tra Tabarez e il ritorno di Sacchi|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author=Fiorenzo Radogna|date=23 October 2017|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124745/http://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/milan-c-era-anche-quando-si-stava-peggio-tutte-annate-dimenticare/quel-ritorno-dell-arrigo.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and they were knocked out once again in the quarter-finals of the [[1996–97 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]].<ref name="Roberto Baggio">{{cite web|url=http://www.francobrain.com/robybaggio.htm|title=Roberto Baggio|access-date=19 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618135820/http://www.francobrain.com/robybaggio.htm|archive-date=18 June 2010}}</ref> Baggio made his [[UEFA Champions League]] debut in the [[1996–97 UEFA Champions League|1996–97 season]], scoring his first goal in the competition,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/53235--milan-vs-goteborg/|title=Milan 4-2 Göteborg|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=24 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424022838/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1996/matches/round=76/match=53235/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although Milan were eliminated in the group stage.<ref name="Tra Tabarez e il ritorno di Sacchi"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/50058--milan/|title=UEFA Champions League 1996/97 - History - Milan|publisher=[[UEFA]]|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=27 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727094158/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1996/clubs/club=50058/matches/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Milan also lost the [[1996 Supercoppa Italiana]] to Fiorentina, as Baggio was left on the bench.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegentlemanultra.com/calcio-caught-on-camera/classic-match-the-1996-supercoppa-italiana-ac-milan-1-2-fiorentina|title=Classic Match: The 1996 Supercoppa Italiana – AC Milan 1-2 Fiorentina|publisher=The Gentleman Ultra|date=16 January 2016|access-date=20 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120222731/http://www.thegentlemanultra.com/calcio-caught-on-camera/classic-match-the-1996-supercoppa-italiana-ac-milan-1-2-fiorentina|archive-date=20 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Supercoppa Finals">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/italsupcuphist.html|title=Italy Super Cup Finals|author1=Roberto Di Maggio|author2=Sorin Arotaritei|date=17 August 2017|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=20 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720200901/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/italsupcuphist.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During his time at Milan, Baggio scored 19 goals in 67 appearances in all competitions; 12 of his goals were scored in Serie A, in 51 appearances, 3 were scored in the Coppa Italia in 6 appearances, and 4 were scored in European competitions, in 10 appearances.<ref name="Roberto Baggio: Statistiche"/>

=== 1997–1998: Bologna ===
{{quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="I said, 'No, you have to play striker.' Baggio went to another club. That year Baggio scored 25 [actually 22] goals – for Bologna! I lost 25 goals! Big mistake."|source=—[[Carlo Ancelotti]] talking to [[Simon Kuper]] of the ''[[Financial Times]]'' in 2014, reminiscing his greatest regret in football, choosing a system over a generational talent.<ref name=MM>{{cite web |url=http://www.managingmadrid.com/2017/4/1/15110610/how-zidanes-experience-in-italy-shaped-his-coaching-philosophy |title=How Zidane's experience in Italy shaped his coaching philosophy |work=Managing Madrid |last=Wiltse |first=Matt |date=1 April 2017 |access-date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403051512/http://www.managingmadrid.com/2017/4/1/15110610/how-zidanes-experience-in-italy-shaped-his-coaching-philosophy |archive-date=3 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
In 1997, Capello returned to Milan, subsequently stating Baggio was not a part of his plans with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/febbraio/24/Baggio_Sparavo_con_papa_ora_co_0_9902241958.shtml|title=Baggio: "Sparavo con papa', ora faccio la lepre con i miei figli|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=24 February 1999|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119215803/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/febbraio/24/Baggio_Sparavo_con_papa_ora_co_0_9902241958.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio chose to move to Parma, but the manager at the time, [[Carlo Ancelotti]], impeded the transfer, as he also did not feel Baggio would fit into his tactical plans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1997/luglio/10/Tanzi_pensa_mercato_Baggio_Parma_co_0_9707103541.shtml|title=Tanzi pensa al mercato: Baggio al Parma|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=10 July 1997|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119082851/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1997/luglio/10/Tanzi_pensa_mercato_Baggio_Parma_co_0_9707103541.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Ancelotti would later state he regretted this decision, stating that in his naïveté, he believed that the [[Formation (association football)#4–4–2|4–4–2 formation]] was the ideal formation for success, and he felt that at the time, creative players such as [[Gianfranco Zola]] and Baggio were not compatible with this system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/43963/ancelotti-pirlo-and-baggio|title=Ancelotti: 'Pirlo and Baggio'|date=17 January 2014|publisher=Football Italia|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173212/https://www.football-italia.net/43963/ancelotti-pirlo-and-baggio|url-status=live}}</ref>

Baggio subsequently transferred to [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]], aiming to save the squad from relegation, and earn a place at the [[1998 FIFA World Cup]]. Baggio refound his form with the club and had a dominant season, scoring a personal best of 22 goals in [[1997–98 Serie A|Serie A]], as well as providing 9 assists, leading Bologna to an eighth-place finish, allowing them to qualify for the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]]. Baggio was the highest scoring Italian in Serie A that season, and the third-highest goalscorer in Serie A. His performances earned him a place in Italy's 1998 World Cup squad. Baggio also led Bologna to the round of 16 in the [[1997–98 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], where he scored one goal in three appearances. Although he rose to hero status amongst the fans,<ref name="Pacearmata"/> he had difficulties with his manager [[Renzo Ulivieri]], in particular when he was left out of the starting 11 against Juventus.<ref name="Pacearmata">{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/gennaio/20/Baggio_Bologna_una_pace_armata_co_0_980120233.shtml|title=Baggio e Bologna, una pace armata|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author=Luca Valdisseri|date=20 January 1998|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=1 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701161612/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1998/gennaio/20/Baggio_Bologna_una_pace_armata_co_0_980120233.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Ulivieri later denied ever having any difficulties with Baggio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=194559|title=Ulivieri: "Baggio? Un campione, mai avuto problemi con lui"|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web.com|language=it|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-date=20 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220022317/http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=194559|url-status=live}}</ref> At the beginning of the season, Baggio cut off his iconic ponytail, signifying his rebirth.<ref name="Roberto Baggio" /> Baggio was named as Bologna's captain for part of the season, before handing the armband to [[Giancarlo Marocchi]].<ref name="Le sfide nel segno di Baggio"/> Baggio made his 300th Serie A appearance while at Bologna, in a 0–0 draw against [[Empoli F.C.|Empoli]] on 11 January 1998.<ref name="golcalcio.it"/> Baggio received nominations for both the [[1998 Ballon d'Or|Ballon d'Or]] and the [[1998 FIFA World Player of the Year|FIFA World Player of the Year]] due to his performances for Bologna and Italy that season. He was also nominated for the 1998 [[Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year]] and [[Serie A Footballer of the Year]] awards, losing out to Alessandro Del Piero and [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/storia-assocalciatori-sergio-campana_6.html|title=Gli Oscar del Calcio|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115825/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/storia-assocalciatori-sergio-campana_6.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/199809/22/3607ef0f06e63/|title=La notte degli Oscar|trans-title=Oscar Night|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|date=22 September 1998|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154017/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/199809/22/3607ef0f06e63/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 1998–2000: Inter Milan ===
[[File:Boots of Roberto Baggio.jpg|thumb|upright|Baggio's [[Diadora]] [[Football boots|boots]] in the [[San Siro]] museum, home of Inter and AC Milan]]
After the 1998 World Cup, Baggio signed with his favourite childhood club Inter Milan in order to compete in the [[1998–99 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]].<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/> He made his club debut on 12 August 1998, in the first leg of the [[1998–99 UEFA Champions League#Second qualifying round|second round of the qualifying stages of the latter competition]], scoring a goal and providing three assists in a 4–0 win over [[Skonto FC]] in [[Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani|Pisa]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,25/articleid,0558_01_1998_0221_0025_7466721/ |title=Baggio ha l'Inter in pugno |work=La Stampa |page=25 |language=it |last1=Badolato |first1=Franco |date=13 August 1998 |access-date=29 February 2024 }}</ref> After injuries, disappointing results, and several managerial changes throughout the season, including [[Luigi Simoni]], [[Mircea Lucescu]], and [[Roy Hodgson]], Baggio struggled to gain playing time,<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="Le sfide nel segno di Baggio"/><ref name=eroi>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-roberto-baggio-41807|title=Gli eroi in bianconero: Roberto BAGGIO|publisher=Tutto Juve|author1=Stefano Bedeschi|language=it|date=18 February 2014|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=9 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409061345/http://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-roberto-baggio-41807|url-status=live}}</ref> and was used out of position as a winger, often as a substitute.<ref name=InterVenezia>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/gennaio/11/Inter_una_miniera_piena_gol_co_0_990111434.shtml|title=Inter, una miniera piena di gol|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|author1=Fabio Monti|author2=Giancarla Ghisi|date=11 January 1999|access-date=11 March 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071457/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1999/gennaio/11/Inter_una_miniera_piena_gol_co_0_990111434.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio scored five league goals and provided 10 assists in 23 appearances during the [[1998–99 Serie A|1998–99 season]], as Inter finished in eighth place, missing out on a European spot.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/rubriche/la-storia/2010/11/09/news/le_confessioni_di_zanetti_la_coppa_uefa_il_momento_pi_bello-8939632/?refresh_ce|title=Le confessioni di Capitan Zanetti "Dal caos alle vittorie con l'Inter"|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=Giovanni Marino|date=9 November 2010|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508221230/http://www.repubblica.it/rubriche/la-storia/2010/11/09/news/le_confessioni_di_zanetti_la_coppa_uefa_il_momento_pi_bello-8939632/?refresh_ce|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="In celebration of Roberto Baggio">{{cite web |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/07/27/in-celebration-of-roberto-baggio/ |title=In celebration of Roberto Baggio: the divine ponytail |publisher=thesefootballtimes.co |last1=Kristjánsson |first1=Tryggvi |date=27 July 2015 |access-date=16 May 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806194145/https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/07/27/in-celebration-of-roberto-baggio/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He helped Inter to a [[1998–99 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] semi-final, losing out to eventual winners Parma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199903/09/36e5859404e9f/|title=Parma in finale|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|author1=Alessandro Forti|date=9 March 1999|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427140518/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199903/09/36e5859404e9f/|archive-date=27 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Baggio scored a goal against his former club Bologna in a European play-off match, but Inter lost both matches, failing to qualify for the UEFA Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199905/27/374d9bf0035df/|title=Spareggio UEFA 1998-99: Inter-Bologna 1-2|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722072352/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199905/27/374d9bf0035df/|archive-date=22 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Baggio also scored four goals in the Champions League, helping lead Inter through the qualifying rounds to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Manchester United,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttochampions.it/campioni-senza-coppe/baggio-due-maglie-una-citta-zero-champions-5354|title=Baggio: due maglie, una città, zero Champions|publisher=TuttoChampions.it|language=it|author1=Gaetano Mocciaro|date=18 March 2011|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508111024/http://www.tuttochampions.it/campioni-senza-coppe/baggio-due-maglie-una-citta-zero-champions-5354|url-status=live}}</ref> also scoring a memorable brace against [[1998 UEFA Champions League Final|defending champions]] Real Madrid in the group stage.<ref name="altervista"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199811/25/365c7eb90415c/|title=Inter-Real Madrid 3-1|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|access-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629131520/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/199811/25/365c7eb90415c/|archive-date=29 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the [[1999–2000 Serie A|1999–2000 season]], Marcello Lippi, Baggio's former manager at Juventus, was appointed as Inter's new coach. Lippi did not favour Baggio and left him out of the squad for most of the season, stating Baggio was out of shape. In his autobiography, Baggio stated Lippi had dumped him after Baggio refused to point out which of Inter's players had expressed negative opinions about the coach, also highlighting an incident during a training session where he called out [[Christian Vieri]] and [[Christian Panucci]] for applauding Baggio for a notable assist.<ref name="Fantasista Legends: Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="Le sfide nel segno di Baggio"/><ref name="altervista"/><ref name="Roberto Baggio"/><ref name=eroi/>

Baggio was used scarcely and often as a substitute, scoring 4 goals in 18 appearances during the regular Serie A season. He made five appearances in the [[1999–2000 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], with his only goal coming against [[Derby della Madonnina|local rivals]] A.C. Milan in the second leg of the quarter-finals, as he helped Inter reach the [[2000 Coppa Italia Final|final]],<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/ita/derby/derby.html|title=Baggio regala all'Inter la semifinale di Coppa Italia|trans-title=Baggio earns Inter a place in the Coppa Italia semi-final|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=27 January 2000|access-date=28 April 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073007/http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/ita/derby/derby.html|url-status=live}}</ref> only to be defeated by Lazio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/200005/18/39244d01019db/|title=Anche la Coppa Italia|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|author1=Dario Di Gennaro|date=18 May 2000|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427112804/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/200005/18/39244d01019db/|archive-date=27 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite his limited playing time, Baggio still managed several important goals to help Inter to a fourth-place finish, alongside Parma, such as his match winning goal against [[Hellas Verona F.C.|Hellas Verona]], which he scored after coming off the bench, after being excluded from the team since 18 December 1999. Baggio had also previously helped to set up Inter's equaliser during the match. This was the first time Baggio had scored for Inter since his goal on 27 May of the previous season, and in the post-match the interview, he denied accusations made by Lippi in regard to his personal form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/gennaio/24/BAGGIO_gol_contro_tutti_co_0_000124472.shtml|title=BAGGIO Un gol contro tutti|trans-title=Baggio A goal against everyone|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=24 January 2000|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222074735/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2000/gennaio/24/BAGGIO_gol_contro_tutti_co_0_000124472.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Baggio's last important contribution to Inter was scoring two memorable goals against Parma in the play-off match for the last remaining Champions League place, which Inter won 3–1;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200005/23/392ad14d06645/|title=Baggio porta l'Inter tra i Campioni|website=rai.it|publisher=Rai Sport|language=it|date=23 May 2000|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201024554/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/sport/calcio/200005/23/392ad14d06645/|archive-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lippi had been forced to field Baggio due to several injuries. Baggio was given a perfect 10 rating from the Italian sports newspaper ''[[La Gazzetta dello Sport]]'', which described his performance as "absolutely perfect all game".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fantasista10.co.uk/totti-tops-40-years-of-gazzetta-ratings-but-baggio-is-perfect-10/|title=Totti tops 40 years of Gazzetta ratings but Baggio is perfect 10|publisher=fantasista10.co.uk|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214155/http://www.fantasista10.co.uk/totti-tops-40-years-of-gazzetta-ratings-but-baggio-is-perfect-10/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This match is considered an example of professionalism shown by Baggio, as Inter president [[Massimo Moratti]] had stated Lippi would only stay on if the team qualified for the Champions League.<ref name="Le sfide nel segno di Baggio"/><ref name="Roberto Baggio" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/spareggio/qualificata/qualificata.html|title=Grande Baggio, l'Inter è in Champions League|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=23 May 2000|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508215414/http://www.repubblica.it/online/sport/spareggio/qualificata/qualificata.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2000–2004: Brescia ===
{{Quote box|width=33%|align=right|quote="Roberto Baggio was the best Italian ''[[Playmaker|fantasista]]''; he was better than [[Giuseppe Meazza|Meazza]] and [[Giampiero Boniperti|Boniperti]], and he was amongst the greatest of all time, right behind [[Diego Maradona|Maradona]], [[Pelé]], and maybe [[Johan Cruyff|Cruyff]]. Without the injury problems and the difficulties with his knees, he would have been the very best player in history."|source=—[[Carlo Mazzone]], Baggio's coach at Brescia.<ref name="il più grande del calcio">{{cite web|url=http://www.calciopro.com/calcio-italiano/roberto-baggio-il-piu-grande-del-calcio-italiano/|title=Roberto Baggio: il più grande del calcio italiano|website=calciopro.com|language=it|access-date=9 October 2014|archive-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162159/http://www.calciopro.com/calcio-italiano/roberto-baggio-il-piu-grande-del-calcio-italiano/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
After two years with Inter, Baggio decided not to renew his expiring contract due to his conflicts with Marcello Lippi, making him a free agent at age 33.<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/> He was linked with several Serie A clubs, such as Napoli and [[Reggina Calcio|Reggina]],<ref name="Baggio eyes Spain">{{cite web|url=http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2000/08/08/baggio-eyes-spain|title=Baggio eyes Spain|publisher=SBS|date=8 August 2000|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070108/http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2000/08/08/baggio-eyes-spain|url-status=live}}</ref> and also various Premier League and [[La Liga]] clubs, including Barcelona.<ref name="Baggio eyes Spain"/> Baggio ultimately transferred to Serie A newcomers Brescia under head coach [[Carlo Mazzone]], aiming to save them from relegation; he remained in Italy in order to have a greater opportunity of being called up for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 World Cup]].<ref name="Ambitious Baggio joins Brescia">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/4771342/Ambitious-Baggio-joins-Brescia.html|title='Ambitious' Baggio joins Brescia|newspaper=The Telegraph|author=Astrid Andersson|date=15 September 2000|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926005759/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/4771342/Ambitious-Baggio-joins-Brescia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was made captain and was given the number 10 shirt,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/09/17/mazzone-juve-accuse-veleni.html|title=Mazzone-Juve, accuse e veleni|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|author1=ENRICO CURRO'|date=17 September 2000|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128175752/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/09/17/mazzone-juve-accuse-veleni.html|url-status=live}}</ref> playing as an attacking midfielder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/09/16/brescia-baggio-subito-contro-la-juve.html|title=Brescia, Baggio subito contro la Juve|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=16 September 2000|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128171130/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/09/16/brescia-baggio-subito-contro-la-juve.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite injury problems during the first half of the season, Baggio re-found his form and managed ten goals and ten assists in the [[2000–01 Serie A|2000–01 season]].<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref name="Storie di Provincia">{{cite web|url=http://www.mondopallone.it/2013/07/18/storie-di-provincia-le-quattro-stagioni-del-brescia-di-baggio-e-mazzone-e-non-solo/|title=Storie di Provincia: le quattro stagioni del Brescia di Baggio e Mazzone (e non solo)|website=mondopallone.it|language=it|date=18 July 2013|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020060539/http://www.mondopallone.it/2013/07/18/storie-di-provincia-le-quattro-stagioni-del-brescia-di-baggio-e-mazzone-e-non-solo/|archive-date=20 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Brescia finished in a joint seventh place, their best Serie A finish since the league's re-establishment in 1946, and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, also reaching the quarter-finals of the [[2000–01 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], losing to eventual winners Fiorentina.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/campionato_partite/bresciabari/bresciabari/bresciabari.html|title=Mazzone fa il capolavoro Brescia settimo in classifica|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=17 June 2001|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619145027/https://www.repubblica.it/online/campionato_partite/bresciabari/bresciabari/bresciabari.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio helped Brescia to the final of the [[2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup]], where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain on away goals. Baggio scored one goal in the tournament, in the final from a penalty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=3975.html|title=PSG edge past Brescia|publisher=UEFA|date=21 August 2001|access-date=29 May 2015|archive-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018143819/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=3975.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> His performances earned him a nomination for the [[2001 Ballon d'Or]], and he finished 25th overall in the rankings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2001/11/13/nomination-del-pallone-oro-anche-baggio-fra.html|title=Pallone d'Oro 2001: Anche Baggio fra i Magnifici 50|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=13 November 2001|access-date=10 June 2012|archive-date=28 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728174405/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2001/11/13/nomination-del-pallone-oro-anche-baggio-fra.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio was one of the best offensive [[playmaker]]s in the league,<ref name="The Trequartista">{{cite web|url=http://www.soccertranslator.com/2013/10/part-ii-of-tactical-thesis-trequartista.html |title=Part II of a Tactical Thesis: "The Trequartista" by Roberto Mancini |access-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141020151631/http://www.soccertranslator.com/2013/10/part-ii-of-tactical-thesis-trequartista.html |archive-date=20 October 2014 }}</ref> winning the [[Guerin d'oro]] Award in 2001, awarded by the Italian sports magazine ''[[Guerin Sportivo]]'', to the player with the highest average rating throughout the season with at least 19 appearances.<ref name="Guerin d'Oro">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/italpoy.html |title=Italy - Footballer of the Year |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121013030/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/italpoy.html |archive-date=21 January 2015 }}</ref>

At the start of [[2001–02 Serie A|2001–02 season]], Baggio scored eight goals in the first nine matches, leading him to the top of the Serie A goalscoring table.<ref name="altervista"/> In his eighth league appearance of the season, against Piacenza, Baggio scored a goal but later suffered an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2001/10/22/SWC02.html|title=Codino Decisivo Baggio: gol da tre punti e infortunio E il Brescia dopo tredici anni espugna lo stadio Garilli di Piacenza|publisher=La Nuova Sardegna|language=it|date=22 October 2001|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109085954/http://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2001/10/22/SWC02.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A week later, against [[A.C. Venezia|Venezia]], he scored from a penalty, but he endured a more serious injury following a hard challenge which caused him to tear the ACL of his left knee, keeping him out of action for four months.<ref name="corriere">{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/febbraio/05/Baggio_operato_addio_sogno_Mondiale_co_0_0202057521.shtml|title=Baggio operato, addio al sogno Mondiale|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=5 February 2002|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110435/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/febbraio/05/Baggio_operato_addio_sogno_Mondiale_co_0_0202057521.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He suffered a second serious injury that season, tearing the meniscus in his left knee, after returning to the team, and coming off the bench, in the [[2001–02 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] semi-final against Parma on 31 January 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio_coppe/bresciaparma/bresciaparma/bresciaparma.html|title=Coppa Italia, Baggio si infortuna ancora|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153839/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio_coppe/bresciaparma/bresciaparma/bresciaparma.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was operated on 4 February 2002 and he returned for three matches before the end of the season, making a recovery in 76 days.<ref name="repubblica.it">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/baggiogol/baggiogol/baggiogol.html|title=Baggio fa felice il calcio ritorno record e due gol|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153606/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/baggiogol/baggiogol/baggiogol.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 April 2002, in the first game after his comeback, Baggio came on as a substitute to score two goals against Fiorentina, helping Brescia win the match.<ref name="repubblica.it"/> He scored again against Bologna, saving Brescia from relegation on the final matchday, and bringing his seasonal tally to 11 goals in 12 Serie A matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/it/serie-a-tim/match-report/-/match-report/Brescia-Bologna/10450s |title=Brescia-Bologna (3-0) |publisher=legaseriea.it |access-date=7 January 2015 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Despite Baggio's performances and public demand, Italy national team head coach Giovanni Trapattoni did not deem him fully fit, prompting the coach to leave Baggio out of the final squad for the 2002 World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/primamond/primamond/primamond.html|title=Trapattoni: "Basta con Baggio Ora pensiamo al Mondiale"|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=12 May 2002|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153652/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/primamond/primamond/primamond.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Trapattoni also expressed concern about bringing Baggio to the World Cup due to the presence of [[Francesco Totti]] and Alessandro Del Piero in his role, believing that this could create a rivalry between the players.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/azzuanalisi/azzuanalisi/azzuanalisi.html|title=La logica di Trapattoni esclude Robi Baggio|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153604/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio/azzuanalisi/azzuanalisi/azzuanalisi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing out on the tournament, Baggio reversed his initial decision to retire after the World Cup, expressing his intention to surpass the 200 Serie A goal mark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sport.it/articolo/roberto-baggio |title=Baggio, il ritorno |website=sport.it |language=it |access-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924121837/http://www.sport.it/articolo/roberto-baggio |archive-date=24 September 2010 }}</ref>

Baggio maintained a high level of performance under new coach [[Gianni De Biasi]].<ref name="Storie di Provincia"/> Baggio managed 12 goals and 9 assists during the [[2002–03 Serie A|2002–03 season]], helping Brescia to an eighth-place finish and another [[2003 UEFA Intertoto Cup|UEFA Intertoto Cup]] spot. He scored his 300th career goal from a penalty on 15 December 2002, in Brescia's 3–1 home victory over [[A.C. Perugia Calcio|Perugia]], also setting-up one of [[Igli Tare]]'s goals.<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio2002_partite_a/bresciaperugia/bresciaperugia/bresciaperugia.html|title=Con Tare e Baggio da record il Brescia supera il Perugia|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114082010/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calcio2002_partite_a/bresciaperugia/bresciaperugia/bresciaperugia.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2003–04 Serie A|2003–04 season]], the final season of his career, Baggio recorded 12 goals and 11 assists. He scored his 200th goal in Serie A in a 2–2 draw against Parma on 14 March 2004,<ref name="Parma vs. Brescia, 2004 - Baggio 200 gol">{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2004/c/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata25/parmabrescia/parmabrescia.html|title=Parma vs. Brescia, 2004 - Baggio 200 gol|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=10 June 2012|archive-date=30 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130094934/http://www.repubblica.it/2004/c/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata25/parmabrescia/parmabrescia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> saving Brescia from relegation, as they finished the season in 11th place.<ref name="Parma vs. Brescia, 2004 - Baggio 200 gol"/> Baggio was the first player in almost 30 years to surpass the 200-goal milestone, and is currently only one of seven players to have accomplished the feat. Baggio scored his final and 205th Serie A career goal on the second last matchday, in a 2–1 home win over [[2003–04 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia winners]] Lazio on 9 May 2004; he also set up Brescia's first goal in that match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata33/brescialazio/brescialazio.html|title=Lazio: brutto tonfo, Champions lontana Il Brescia in festa nell'addio di Baggio|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=9 May 2004|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114081332/http://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata33/brescialazio/brescialazio.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Baggio played his last career match on 16 May 2004 on the final matchday of the season at the [[San Siro]] against Milan, which ended in a 4–2 loss to the Serie A champions; during the game, he set-up [[Matuzalém]]'s second goal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata34/milanbrescia/milanbrescia.html|title=A San Siro la festa del Milan E il saluto a Roby Baggio|newspaper=La Repubblica|language=it|date=16 May 2004|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114081412/http://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/serie_a/giornata34/milanbrescia/milanbrescia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 88th minute, De Biasi substituted Baggio, prompting the 80,000 present at the San Siro to give him a standing ovation; Milan's captain, defender [[Paolo Maldini]], who was Baggio's former teammate both with the Italy national team and Milan, also embraced him before he left the pitch.<ref name="Biografia: Roberto Baggio"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/sport/articoli/articolo201382.shtml |title=Tutti in piedi, Baggio dice basta |publisher=www.tgcom24.mediaset.it |language=it |date=16 May 2004 |access-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173728/https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/sport/articoli/articolo201382.shtml |archive-date=7 March 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

With Brescia, Baggio scored 46 goals in 101 appearances in all competitions, scoring 45 goals in 95 Serie A appearances, and one goal in two European matches. Baggio also made four Coppa Italia appearances with Brescia. Baggio retired as Brescia's all-time leading goalscorer in Serie A. He ended his career with 205 goals in Serie A, making him the seventh-highest scorer of all time, behind Silvio Piola, Francesco Totti (who overtook him in 2011), [[Gunnar Nordahl]], Giuseppe Meazza, [[José Altafini]], and [[Antonio Di Natale]] (who overtook him in 2015). Baggio's number 10 shirt was [[Retired numbers in football (soccer)|retired]] by Brescia in his honour, and he is considered the club's greatest ever player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eurocalcionews.sportlive.it/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=32961|title=Un uomo, un numero, una maglia|publisher=EuroCalcioNews|language=it|access-date=10 June 2012}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Before Baggio had joined Brescia, they had never been able to avoid relegation after being newly promoted to Serie A, in over 40 years. During the four years under Baggio, Brescia recorded their best ever Serie A run and were never relegated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://golcalcio.it/Brescia.htm|title=Il Grande Brescia di Baggio|website=gocalcio.it|language=it|access-date=19 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526115323/http://www.golcalcio.it/Brescia.htm|archive-date=26 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>