The 'Divine Ponytail' returns to football

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Roberto Baggio - once known as 'the Divine Ponytail' - is set to return to football as part of the Italian federation's staff, six years after retiring from the game.

Baggio is back on the pitch," Gazzetta dello Sport reported Tuesday.

The 43-year-old Baggio told the newspaper he'd agreed to become director of the federation's technical staff, a job that entails working with young players and coaches.

The federation is expected to make the announcement Wednesday.

His dazzling passes, vision and precision made him one of Italy's greatest players, his ponytail as much a signature as his skill.

Baggio was the FIFA player of the year in 1993. A year later, he famously missed the last penalty in a shootout in the World Cup final that handed the victory to Brazil.