Mourners line streets of Milan for legend Baresi's funeral

What the report says

Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Milan on Tuesday as former AC Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi was laid to rest, according to BBC Sport. Baresi died last week at the age of 66 after a period of ill health. The report describes him as one of football’s great defenders and a central figure in AC Milan’s modern history.

BBC Sport said the funeral service took place at Sant’Ambrogio Basilica and was attended by several former Milan and Italy figures, including Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Costacurta. Some current AC Milan players who were not on the club’s pre-season tour in Australia also attended, including Christian Pulisic. The club plans to honour Baresi before its friendly against Inter on Wednesday.

Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career at AC Milan, where he captained the side for 15 seasons and made 719 appearances. He won 18 trophies with the club, including six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues. For Italy, he earned 81 caps, was part of the 1982 World Cup-winning squad and captained the team in the 1994 final, which Italy lost to Brazil.

BBC Sport added that Milan named Baresi honorary president in 2020 and retired his number six shirt after his playing career ended. His funeral underscored his lasting standing both at the club and in Italian football.