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Baggio, Maldini comeback?
sportinglife.com
Azzurri legends Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini may be asked to come out of international retirement and play for Italy at the European Championships.
National team coach Giovanni Trapattoni was being coy on the subject on Tuesday, a day ahead of the friendly against Portugal.
"I will speak to Baggio and Maldini," said Trapattoni.
"That does not mean that they will or will not come to the European Championships."
The veteran coach's words were non-committal, but they are also far from dismissive of the notion that Italy's team at Euro 2004 could feature two of the most celebrated players to have ever worn the famous blue shirt.
'Baggiomania' has returned to the football-crazed nation following Baggio's sizzling form of late.
Two weeks have passed since Baggio struck his 200th Serie A goal and the 37-year-old celebrated his achievement doing what he does best, adding two further goals to his tally in Brescia's 5-2 win against Ancona at the weekend.
The former Juventus forward, who has also played for both Milan clubs, is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Trapattoni has already expressed his hope that Baggio will agree to play in an international when Italy host Spain in a friendly on April 28.
"It would be a recognition for what he has given this sport," admitted Trapattoni, who was criticised in Italy after overlooking Baggio when naming his 2002 World Cup squad.
But now there are signs that Baggio's form of recent weeks might prompt a call into the squad for the summer tournament which will be staged in Portugal, even though he has recently turned 37 and plays for one of Italy's lesser lights.
It would mean extending his career by another month, and one which the striker would surely relish as much as the Italian fans who hero-worship him.
Italy are also in Portugal this week, where they play a friendly against the home nation on Wednesday.
Neither Baggio or Maldini are involved this week, but the latter might be the more likely of the two to journey to June's finals.
The 35-year-old quit the international scene following Italy's disappointing exit from the 2002 World Cup.
However Maldini has been a formidable member of the AC Milan defence this season and his age is certainly not an issue at club level.
"I said five months ago and I once again reiterate that Paolo and I have an appointment that will take place when the right time comes along," said Trapattoni.
Updated: Wed, Mar 31, 2004 10:12:56 AM AEST
http://www2.sbs.com.au/italy/index.php3?id=44855
Although its a long shot, it'd be nice for baggio to play (id rather him than a inzaghi, montella, delvecchio etc)
Its not as if he cant handle the standard of football, and maldini would increase italy's chances greatly
sportinglife.com
Azzurri legends Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini may be asked to come out of international retirement and play for Italy at the European Championships.
National team coach Giovanni Trapattoni was being coy on the subject on Tuesday, a day ahead of the friendly against Portugal.
"I will speak to Baggio and Maldini," said Trapattoni.
"That does not mean that they will or will not come to the European Championships."
The veteran coach's words were non-committal, but they are also far from dismissive of the notion that Italy's team at Euro 2004 could feature two of the most celebrated players to have ever worn the famous blue shirt.
'Baggiomania' has returned to the football-crazed nation following Baggio's sizzling form of late.
Two weeks have passed since Baggio struck his 200th Serie A goal and the 37-year-old celebrated his achievement doing what he does best, adding two further goals to his tally in Brescia's 5-2 win against Ancona at the weekend.
The former Juventus forward, who has also played for both Milan clubs, is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Trapattoni has already expressed his hope that Baggio will agree to play in an international when Italy host Spain in a friendly on April 28.
"It would be a recognition for what he has given this sport," admitted Trapattoni, who was criticised in Italy after overlooking Baggio when naming his 2002 World Cup squad.
But now there are signs that Baggio's form of recent weeks might prompt a call into the squad for the summer tournament which will be staged in Portugal, even though he has recently turned 37 and plays for one of Italy's lesser lights.
It would mean extending his career by another month, and one which the striker would surely relish as much as the Italian fans who hero-worship him.
Italy are also in Portugal this week, where they play a friendly against the home nation on Wednesday.
Neither Baggio or Maldini are involved this week, but the latter might be the more likely of the two to journey to June's finals.
The 35-year-old quit the international scene following Italy's disappointing exit from the 2002 World Cup.
However Maldini has been a formidable member of the AC Milan defence this season and his age is certainly not an issue at club level.
"I said five months ago and I once again reiterate that Paolo and I have an appointment that will take place when the right time comes along," said Trapattoni.
Updated: Wed, Mar 31, 2004 10:12:56 AM AEST
http://www2.sbs.com.au/italy/index.php3?id=44855
Although its a long shot, it'd be nice for baggio to play (id rather him than a inzaghi, montella, delvecchio etc)
Its not as if he cant handle the standard of football, and maldini would increase italy's chances greatly