Franco Baresi was the quintessential Italian libero, a sweeper of impeccable positioning, anticipation and authority who spent his entire career at AC Milan. As captain he marshalled the great side of the late 1980s and early 1990s, orchestrating one of the most feared defences the game has seen.
His understanding with Paolo Maldini and the rest of the back line underpinned a period of European and domestic dominance under Arrigo Sacchi and beyond. Baresi read danger before it developed and stepped out of defence with a poise that redefined the role.
A one-club legend and inspirational leader, he remained the standard against which Italian defenders were measured, his number six retired by the club in tribute.