Italy mourns Franco Baresi as Maldini, Zoff, Inter and Juventus lead tributes | OneFootball

Italian football is in mourning after the death of Franco Baresi on Friday, with tributes from AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and national leaders.

According to L'Équipe, the announcement stirred deep emotion across the game and at the highest levels of the state. Milan hailed their iconic captain, pledging to honour his example and recalling his last great public image months ago at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening.

Inter remembered him as a protagonist of the Derby della Madonnina and a respectful competitor in a rivalry that produced unforgettable chapters. Juventus underlined that he united talent and humanity, embodying class, style, leadership and respect, an example cherished by supporters.

Paolo Maldini reflected on the void without their captain, saying Baresi taught him to fight to the last breath, to love the shirt and to lead by example.

Dino Zoff called the loss a hard moment, praising an approachable, likeable champion who won cups, scudetti and internationals with great merit. Gianluigi Buffon recalled his Serie A debut on 19 November 1995, aged 17 against Milan, facing Baresi as opposing captain and learning the meaning of class, leadership and respect.

Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said the country had lost a great champion and a model of loyalty, seriousness and dedication, noting he captained Milan and the Nazionale, wore the same colours throughout his career and remained a reference point on and off the pitch.

Source: L'Équipe