The world of Italian football is getting ready to say a final farewell to Franco Baresi, as his funeral takes place in Milan today.
After the news of Baresi’s passing on Friday morning there have been a few days of grief, with many messages coming from former team-mates, other clubs and opponents. All paid tribute to one of the gentlemen of football, and someone who was loyal to Milan for two decades.
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Today, the city prepares for a last goodbye. Baresi’s funeral will be held this morning at 11:00 CEST in the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, and thousands of people are expected to gather.
Today’s front pages
The front pages of the newspapers in Italy this morning all mention the funeral, which is expected to be attended by a number of notable guests too.
La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Leao turnaround. His departure from Milan is no longer a given, Amorim is evaluating him. He wanted to leave at all costs, but there are no offers, and he’s working to stay (starting with tomorrow’s derby in Perth).”
“Libero forever. His football and his people. Farewell to captain Baresi.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Baresi, an eternal love. From Cardinal to Galliani and Van Basten: thousands will gather at 11am at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.”
Tuttosport: “The whole world comes to bid farewell to Baresi. From Van Basten to Maldini, from Savicevic to Donadoni: the great champions rally around the Rossoneri family. Milan comes to a standstill to bid farewell to the captain. Delegations from Barça and Real Madrid are present. TV special on Rete4.”
QS: “A final farewell to Franco Baresi, the eternal Captain. The funeral will be at 11am in the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. Tomorrow is the derby: black armbands and a choreography.”
