Baggio to make Italy farewell

The Brescia forward has already announced that he will quit football in the summer due to the physical toll of injuries he has suffered during his career.

The 37-year-old acknowledged it was an arduous decision to call it a day but feels the time is right to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career.

"Deciding to quit has been a painful choice for me," Baggio told television channel RAI.

"But this is a moment that arrives for everyone and you must accept it.

"In my career I have undergone six operations, all on my knees. This has been a really big obstacle but the will and the wish have taken me here.

"Undoubtedly it's a difficult moment but I'm trying to leave positively, even if it's not easy."

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni also confirmed in the same television programme that Baggio will make a last Azzurri appearance against Spain later this month.

There had been widespread speculation that Baggio would feature in the friendly in Genoa and Trapattoni admits it is a fitting reward for 'The Divine Ponytail'.

Trapattoni said: "He will play in the next match. I've already spoken with him.

"It's a due reward for such a charismatic player."