AC Milan play a derby against Inter in Australia this afternoon, but this morning’s newspapers are dominated by Franco Baresi’s farewell.
Baresi passed away last week after a battle with ill health and his funeral took place on Tuesday morning at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. A number of former team-mates, opponents and club delegations were there to pay their respects in a thoroughly moving service.
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Having spent 20 years as a Milan player – 15 of which were as the club captain – the outpouring of love and grief have been understandably strong. We penned our own tribute to the Capitano on Friday, though words can seldom do justice to a player and man of his magnitude.
Today’s front pages
Below is how the front pages look in Italy this morning, a day after the footballing world said goodbye to a great.
La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Captain forever. The moving last embrace with Baresi. Thousands of fans, chants, the coffin on the shoulders of the Invincibles of Milan. Maldini cries, the pain of Baggio and Van Basten, applause for Bergomi.”
“Modric: ‘We win for Franco. Fantastic if Leao stays.'”
Corriere dello Sport: “Captain, all your supporters were there. From Van Basten to Seedorf, from Costacurta to Baggio, to the fans, a powerful emotion. Franco Baresi: the goodbye. The love that never dies.”
Tuttosport: “Tears and pride. The emotional farewell to Franco Baresi. Three thousand hearts, not just those of the Rossoneri, gathered at Sant’Ambrogio for the funeral of the captain, a champion of all.”
“The abbot: ‘He taught us that you can become great by remaining small. And Jesus loved the little piscinin.’ The emotional tribute from teammates and rivals. Boos for Cardinale.”
QS: “Stars return for Milan vs. Inter in the Australian style. First appearances for Modric and Çalhanoglu. Among the Rossoneri, Ramos makes his debut.”
