Documentary: Franco Baresi - The Man Who Schooled Maldini, and Frightened Maradona

TL;DR:
A chronicle of Franco Baresi's legendary career, tracing his journey from a doubted talent to AC Milan's iconic libero who transformed the club's destiny through extraordinary defensive brilliance and unparalleled leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Baresi overcame early skepticism about his physical stature to become a pivotal player for AC Milan, defying initial doubts with exceptional skill.
• Instrumental in Milan's resurrection from Serie B, he captained the team through an unprecedented era of success under tactical masters Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello.
• His defensive mastery anchored Milan's backline, widely regarded as the most formidable defensive unit in football history.
• Career pinnacle includes multiple Serie A titles, European Cups, and World Cup appearances, demonstrating remarkable consistency and excellence.
• Despite missing a crucial penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, Baresi's defensive performance remained extraordinary, underscoring his mental resilience.
• His success stemmed from tactical intelligence and anticipation rather than pure physical prowess, making him a cerebral defensive icon.
• Ultimate testament to his legacy: AC Milan retiring his iconic number 6, symbolizing his eternal connection to the club. 

Franco Baresi is a legendary Italian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the sport. Born on May 8, 1960, in Travagliato, Italy, Baresi spent his entire professional career playing for AC Milan, where he became an iconic figure and a symbol of loyalty and excellence.

Key Highlights of Franco Baresi's Career:

1. Position and Style of Play:
   • Baresi was primarily a central defender and a sweeper (libero), known for his tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, and exceptional ability to read the game.
   • Despite being relatively short for a defender (5'9" or 176 cm), he compensated with impeccable positioning, timing, and leadership.
   • He was also adept at starting attacks from the back, often contributing to his team's build-up play.
2. AC Milan Career:
   • Baresi made his senior debut for AC Milan in 1977 and played for the club until his retirement in 1997.
   • During his 20-year career with Milan, he played over 700 matches and was the team captain for much of that time.
   • He won numerous trophies with AC Milan, including:
     • 6 Serie A titles (Italian league championships).
     • 3 UEFA Champions League titles (1989, 1990, 1994).
     • 4 Supercoppa Italiana titles.
     • 2 Intercontinental Cups.
     • 3 UEFA Super Cups.
   • Baresi's number 6 jersey was retired by AC Milan as a tribute to his incredible contributions to the club.
3. International Career:
   • Baresi represented Italy at the international level, earning 81 caps and playing in multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
   • He was part of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, although he did not play in the tournament.
   • He captained Italy to the final of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they lost to Brazil on penalties. Despite the loss, his performance in the tournament was highly praised, especially his resilience after returning from a knee injury.
4. Legacy:
   • Baresi is celebrated for his sportsmanship, humility, and incredible dedication to his club and country.
   • He was named in the FIFA 100 list, a selection of the greatest living footballers, compiled by Pelé in 2004.
   • His leadership and defensive prowess set a benchmark for future defenders, influencing players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, and others.

Post-Retirement:

After retiring, Baresi remained associated with AC Milan, taking on various roles, including coaching and ambassadorial duties. His influence on football, particularly in Italy, remains profound, and he is often cited as one of the best defenders of all time.