Title: Divine Revelation: Why Roberto Baggio was Left out of the Italian National Team in 2002 Introduction: The year 2002 marked a milestone for football enthusiasts around the world as the FIFA World Cup took center stage in South Korea and Japan. It was an event that captivated millions, but alongside the excitement, there was also immense disappointment felt by the fans of one of Italy's most celebrated footballing legends, Roberto Baggio. This article aims to explore the reasons behind his exclusion from the Italian national team that year. 1. Age and Injury Concerns: One of the significant factors that influenced the decision to omit Baggio from the Italian team was his age and recurring injuries. At the time, Baggio was 35 years old and had faced several physical setbacks. Although revered for his technical brilliance and goal-scoring prowess, there were worries that his body might not withstand the demanding schedule of a World Cup tournament. 2. Tactical Considerations: The tactical approach adopted by Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni also played a role in Baggio's absence from the team. Trapattoni favored a different style of play, emphasizing a more physical and defensive approach. Baggio, known for his elegance and creativity, didn't fit perfectly into this mold, which put him at a disadvantage in the selection process. 3. Competition and Younger Talent: The 2002 Italian national team featured numerous young, talented players who were emerging as dominant figures in Italian football. Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, and Christian Vieri were among those vying for positions in the squad, creating immense competition. Baggio's exclusion was not solely based on his individual merit, but rather the emergence of these younger talents who seemingly fit the coach's tactical plans better. 4. Past Disappointments and Redemption: Baggio's illustrious career was filled with moments of both triumph and heartbreak, most notably the missed penalty in the 1994 FIFA World Cup final. Despite redeeming himself in later years, with standout performances for clubs like Inter Milan and Bologna, it is likely that this prior setback played a role in the decision to exclude him from the 2002 squad. The management might have been wary of repeating such emotional experiences on the global stage. 5. Managerial Trust and Team Harmony: In the world of competitive football, the relationship between the coach and his players is crucial. It is possible that Coach Trapattoni preferred players whom he had worked with previously or felt were more aligned with his vision for the team. Baggio's absence could be attributed, at least in part, to a lack of trust or synergy between him and the manager. Conclusion: Roberto Baggio will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Italian players of all time. While his omission from the Italian National Team in the 2002 World Cup was met with disappointment from fans worldwide, it was shaped by a combination of age concerns, tactical considerations, emerging talent, past disappointments, and managerial trust. Despite not wearing the Azzurri jersey in the tournament, Baggio's legacy and contributions to the sport continue to inspire generations of young footballers around the globe.