An exemplary man and footballer, Franco Baresi, , embodied the values of the game, becoming a symbol of Milan and a role model for entire generations of champions.
At club level, he wore just one shirt, writing unforgettable chapters in Rossoneri history, but he was also a key and iconic figure for the Italian national team throughout his long career, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the most important tournament of all.
We take a look back on Baresi’s career in the FIFA World Cup™.
Called up by Enzo Bearzot at the age of just 22, Baresi was part of the squad that won Italy’s third World Cup title.
He never took to the pitch due to the presence of a veteran defence, but he gained plenty from watching, which allowed him to become part of the world-champion squad and develop his skills alongside the key players from that historic achievement.
Due to tactical differences and a row during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Bearzot decided to exclude Baresi from the squad for Mexico 1986.
Eight years after the global finals in Spain, his role with the Azzurri had completely changed. Baresi was the linchpin of the team hosting the World Cup, leading one of the tournament’s finest defences and playing in all seven matches.
Italy conceded just two goals, but were knocked out on penalties by Argentina in the semi-finals and finished third. His performances established him as one of the best defenders of the tournament and, indeed, of his era.
As captain of Italy, Baresi experienced the most intense World Cup of his career. A meniscus injury to his knee sustained during the group stage against Norway seemed set to rule him out of the tournament. However, following surgery, he made an astounding recovery and played the full 120 minutes of the final against Brazil, delivering an extraordinary performance.
Italy were only beaten on penalties: Baresi himself missed his first spot-kick, but his performance remains one of the defining images of that World Cup and a testament to his exceptional willpower.
“My world came crashing down against Norway,” said Baresi a few years ago. “The manager came to see me in my room after the operation and asked me to stay. I never thought I’d play another match. I went through my treatment and my exercises, and watched my team struggle and keep going. They were all do-or-die matches; that squad had an extraordinary World Cup.”
Football has lost one of its greatest icons, a champion who left an indelible mark on Italian and world sport.
Sources: FIFA Official
