Franco Baresi obituary

guardian

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Original Report

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INFERY

At a time when Italian football was known for the excellence of its defensive systems, Franco Baresi, who has died aged 66 after a period of ill health, embodied its most prized qualities. Whether with AC Milan, his only club during his two decades as a professional, or Italy, with whom he reached the 1994 World Cup final, he was a stylish, quick-witted, unflappable and commanding presence, primus inter pares alongside distinguished colleagues. Captaining Milan for 15 of his 20 seasons at San Si