The actor playing Roberto Baggio did a good job, I thought he looked like him and everything. But apart from the acting I found this film to be very disappointing once it had finished. I was actually quite enjoying it up until the point I discovered the director had skipped some historic and unforgettable highlights of his career by jumping straight into USA 94. I'll never forget some of the beautiful goals Baggio scored for Italy, especially one of the greatest World Cup goals ever against Czech Republic at Italia 90. I was 10yrs old and celebrating the house down with my Neapolitan Dad! Baggio and Schillaci were Azzurri superstars during that World Cup (along with other legends such as Maldini and Baresi).
The film also misses out France 98 too amongst other vital moments of his glory days when he was the best in the world and played for Juventus. He also redeemed himself for his USA 94 penalty miss from showing his amazing talent and strength by scoring a brilliant penalty at France 98, which showed so much confidence and courage to step up and take one after his significant fail 4 years earlier. This film made it look (to non Baggio fans) that all he did was curl up into a sulky ball of depression and hide away from the world after he missed against Brazil in the final, when he actually carried on being a great footballer for his club and country. After he kicks it over the crossbar we get taken "Six Years Later". What a load of ****.
Also nothing is properly and clearly explained or elaborated on why Baggio was actually an "Italian icon" and universally one of the greatest/most loved footballers ever. No effort put into what a genius on the field he was. They could've at least used a stunt double/professional footballer to imitate some of Baggio's magic on the field, allowing viewers to see why its referred to as 'the beautiful game'... Otherwise why did Sacchi even compare him to Maradona? Why?!! This film shows does the real 'Divine Ponytail' no justice. It mainly focuses on his injury rather than what a skilful maestro he was on the field.
Baggio's resume includes playing for 3 of the most successful Italian clubs ever... AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, and scoring 27 goals in 56 games for Italy after appearing in the 3 World Cup Tournaments that took place in the 90's. I would've felt more satisfied if this film was an interesting 180 minutes long instead of a rushed 90 minutes. I got nothing out of it apart from learning that his father was a very stubborn and negative man. The CGI replicating the original exterior to the stadiums looked too artificial to me aswell, too silky smooth, glossy and perfect. I think the real footage would've been better, so what if it looks dated now and has that blurry 90's look, it would've looked more authentic and added to the nostalgia. Except a couple of old televisions there was nothing in this film to indicate it took place in the 1990's.
This typical Netflix-ey movie actually had the potential to be a quality biopic telling the story of a legendary athlete. Italy haven't had a player like Roberto Baggio since Roberto Baggio. But to me, it unfortunately missed out the most important story of all - WHY he inspired and brought so much joy to millions of people.
