Sacchi urges Baggio not to quit

Parma's technical director, who has worked closely and successfully with 'The Divine Ponytail', is hoping that speculation suggesting the player's career is over is untrue.

"He is too good to leave football," stressed Sacchi.

"This is the reason why he must continue playing.

"I am convinced that he will recover. He is very good and must continue."

Agent Vittorio Petrone has stoked the fire in Italy by claiming his client is seriously considering quitting, with his World Cup dreams in tatters.

The Brescia star needed an operation on his knee which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

"We were hoping that the injury would be less serious but now Roberto is thinking about quitting football," stated Petrone.

"We will try to convince him to change his mind even if he is talking about starting a new life from today."