Retired Italian football star Roberto Baggio has been robbed at gunpoint at his home while watching the national team’s game against Spain at the European Championships.

At least five armed robbers burst into Baggio’s villa near the northern city of Vicenza around around 10pm local time (9pm BST), according to Italian media reports.

One struck Baggio on the head with the butt of a gun when the former football player confronted them.

Roberto Baggio as a player in 1991
Roberto Baggio played for a number of top Italian clubs, including Juventus (AP)

The robbers locked the 57-year-old Baggio and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash.

After the thieves left, Baggio broke down the door and called police. He was taken to the hospital and received stitches for the wound. His family members were not harmed.

Baggio said in a statement to the Italian news agency ANSA: “Anything can happen under such circumstances. Fortunately, the violence only resulted in some stitches, bruises and a lot of fear.

“Now we have to get over the fear.”

Baggio is married and has three children. His daughter Valentina recently started an Instagram account in his name.

Baggio played 56 games for Italy, scoring 27 goals and starring in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He played for Vicenza in his youth, going on to star for other Serie A clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Spain won the match, beating Italy 1-0.