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| Baggio & Totti: last of the true fantasista? |
Francesco Totti became the 5th highest scorer in Serie A history this weekend when he scored a double in a 3-2 win versus Bari. His second strike was his 206th goal in the league (all for Roma), taking him past legendary fantasista Roberto Baggio who scored 205 goals in Serie A over his 19 year top flight career.
Upon hearing the record breaking news, the ever gracious Baggio paid tribute for surpassing his tally: “I compliment Totti,” he said: “To score 206 goals in Serie A is a great achievement. I don’t care if he has overtaken me in the standings because he is a great player. He is an example. With his passion and love for this sport, Francesco is the symbol of the fact that you can always go further." before finally adding: "He is one of the last true No.10s".
The Roma captain who was at one time seen as the natural successor to Baggio's number 10 Azzurri shirt was equally in complimentary mood: "I am happy to have broken another record and to reach a champion like Baggio. He was a great player, someone who made history".
Totti isn’t done yet however. As he stated directly after the match, he’s in the mood to aim for more: “I know what I can give and that will never die,” whilst showing off a T-Shirt that read in English ‘The King of Rome is not dead.’ he continued “I am happy to have achieved another record and hope to continue at this level”.
Although il divin codino drops down to 6th on the all-time scoring chart, he still boasts a better goals per games ratio than the Giallorossi captain, with his 205 goals coming from 452 appearances in a career blighted by serious injuries. Totti's? From 471 games…and counting. However, a closer look at their goalscoring achievements reveal just how little there is between their records; goals scored with the right and the left foot: Totti shades 89 to 84 and 29 to 25. On set-pieces: Baggio leads with 21 to 18 on free-kicks and 69 to 57 on penalties. Perhaps the greatest stat however is that both have scored an astounding 96 decisive goals each in their careers (those being either winners or equalisers for their teams).
The Inevitable comparisons began throughout the media, with particular attention being paid to their contrasting World Cup fortunes in 1994 and 2006. To Totti’s credit, he saw through the parlour game right away: “I won it and he didn’t, is that what you’re saying? But he was only playing with one leg.” in reference to Baggio’s heroics when he practically dragged the Azzurri to the ‘94 final whilst being injured.Upon hearing the record breaking news, the ever gracious Baggio paid tribute for surpassing his tally: “I compliment Totti,” he said: “To score 206 goals in Serie A is a great achievement. I don’t care if he has overtaken me in the standings because he is a great player. He is an example. With his passion and love for this sport, Francesco is the symbol of the fact that you can always go further." before finally adding: "He is one of the last true No.10s".
The Roma captain who was at one time seen as the natural successor to Baggio's number 10 Azzurri shirt was equally in complimentary mood: "I am happy to have broken another record and to reach a champion like Baggio. He was a great player, someone who made history".
Totti isn’t done yet however. As he stated directly after the match, he’s in the mood to aim for more: “I know what I can give and that will never die,” whilst showing off a T-Shirt that read in English ‘The King of Rome is not dead.’ he continued “I am happy to have achieved another record and hope to continue at this level”.
The Roma fantasista needs just 11 more strikes to climb into 3rd position on the list which would see him overtake Giuseppe Meazza and Jose Altafini. Currently at 34 years of age and with time on his side, even 2nd spot is a possibility – that place is presently occupied by former Milan hitman Gunnar Nordahl who bagged 225 goals in the Italian top flight.
Probably safe and sound sitting top of the list is Silvio Piola on 274 goals.
Probably safe and sound sitting top of the list is Silvio Piola on 274 goals.
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