Franco Baresi: As the mourning period ends, discontent grows—Milan’s decision divides the fans
The mourning for Franco Baresi continues to shake the world of soccer and the Milan community in particular, but in recent hours, a controversy has added to the grief and divided the fan base. Milan’s decision not to attend—with the first team and coaching staff—the funeral of its legendary captain, scheduled for August 4 in Milan, has in fact generated mixed reactions, despite the club’s explanation of logistical reasons related to the tour in Australia.
On the sidelines of their training sessions in Perth, the team still wanted to pay tribute to the Rossoneri legend. Ruben Amorim and Matteo Gabbia laid a wreath at the foot of the mural dedicated to Baresi, created in 2024 and inspired by a famous image from after the 1987–88 Scudetto, in which Baresi celebrates on Ruud Gullit’s shoulders. “We’re sorry we couldn’t attend the funeral; this tribute was the least we could do,” Gabbia told Sky Sport, in an attempt to quell the criticism.
The problem, however, is that some fans did not approve of the club’s decision. For many, the first team’s presence at the funeral would have been a fitting gesture toward a man who was part of the Milan family—through his playing career, management roles, and representative duties—for nearly half a century. Others, however, believe that rescheduling the preseason activities was impossible and that the tribute from Australia was nonetheless respectful and appropriate.
Especially on social media, the debate over how the club handled the mourning is still very heated. Milan chose to continue with its international schedule, accompanying it with a tribute from afar. A portion of the fan base, however, would have preferred a stronger and more “physical” gesture, even at the cost of a significant financial loss due to the cancellation of the tour in Australia and Indonesia.
The Rossoneri will face their “cousins” Inter on Wednesday, August 5, at Optus Stadium in Perth, before traveling to Jakarta to play Chelsea on Sunday, August 8, at Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium. Back in Europe, Milan will also play on August 15 in Wrocław, Poland, against Manchester United, wrapping up their preseason one week before their Serie A opener against Torino.
