Baresi tributes from former Milan teammates, funeral set for August 4
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Former AC Milan teammates are paying tribute to Baresi, with a funeral scheduled for August 4.
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Attributed to original sourceTributes continue to pour in for Franco Baresi, from teammates Filippo Galli, Daniele Massaro and current Tottenham Hotspur coach Roberto De Zerbi, while the date of his funeral has been announced.
The legendary Milan captain has died at the age of 66 and the funeral will be at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio on Tuesday August 4, starting at 11.00 local time.
Meanwhile, tributes have been coming in from his former teammates in that extraordinary Rossoneri squad that won everything.
Baresi remembered by Milan teammates MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Franco Baresi looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 15, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “He will always be The Captain to me,” said Galli on RTL 102.5 radio.
“All it took was a glance. We were a rowdy table of players, but at times when we’d go a bit over the top, he’d turn, look at us, and we’d all immediately lower our voices.”
Striker Massaro published his memories of Baresi on an Instagram post.
“It is difficult to find the words when you lose someone who was part of your life. For the world you were The Captain, a legend of football. For me, you were Franco. The friend I shared unforgettable years with, emotions that only someone who was in that locker room could understand, moments that time can never cancel out.
“Today the pain is strong, but even more so is the gratitude for having had you by my side for so long in this journey. I’ll remember the laughs, the hugs, the silence, the reciprocal respect, and everything that cannot be described in a photograph.
“Ciao Franco, my friend. Rest in peace. You are the eternal Libero.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Daniele Massaro (@danielemassaro_real)
Tottenham coach De Zerbi came up through the Milan youth academy, so was able to witness Baresi first hand in training at Milanello.
“I grew up in the Milan Academy when I was young, so when I was 15, 16, I worked a lot with the first team,” explained De Zerbi in a press conference during Tottenham’s pre-season tour.
“I think he was the best defender in the world. Great captain, great player, and I’m really sad for him. The captain of Milan, but also of the national team.
“I spoke with many players today and they don’t know, they never watched him as a player, but he was incredible. Maybe better than Maldini, and Maldini was another top, top, top player, but Baresi was incredible.”
“Maybe better than Maldini.”
Roberto de Zerbi pays tribute to Franco Baresi, who sadly passed away at the age of 66. pic.twitter.com/puBC0eICud
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 31, 2026
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What happened
Tributes are pouring in from former AC Milan teammates for Baresi, a legendary figure in the club's history. A funeral has been set for August 4, as the football world mourns the loss. The article collects reactions from those who played alongside him, highlighting his immense legacy at Milan and in Italian football.
Chance analysis
This is a memorial/obituary story with no direct impact on current competitive play. It matters sentimentally and historically for AC Milan's identity, given Baresi's iconic status as one of the club's greatest-ever players and captains. It does not affect squad availability, tactics, or transfer strategy.
No competitive impact expected; AC Milan's on-field operations remain unchanged.
Ignore for match prediction purposes; this is a commemorative story with zero on-pitch impact.