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Italy v Czechoslovakia Italy 1990 | Group stage Stadio Olimpico, Rome
"I just kept going and going. It was very special," said legendary Italian forward Roberto Baggio about his first and arguably finest World Cup goal in front of his countrymen at the historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
He was just a fresh-faced 23-year-old still trying to convince head coach Azeglio Vicini that he deserved a spot in the the Azzurri's starting XI. By the end of the tournament, his partnership with Salvatore Schillaci became the stuff of lore.
But it was the group stage finale against Czechoslovakia when Baggio announced himself to the world. In the 78th minute and with Italy holding a 1-0, Baggio played a quick one-two combination with Giuseppe Giannini before elegantly gliding past ankle-hunting Czech defender Ivan Hasek, then sending Miroslav Kadlec on a 360-degree journey, and ultimately completing the play with an impeccable near post finish.
It kick-started what would become a stellar World Cup career for Baggio, who played in three editions of the global finals (1990, 1994, 1998) and helped Italy claim third-place honours on home soil followed by a runner-up finish at USA 1994.
Sources: FIFA Official
