AC Milan fans flocked to and from the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio for the funeral of Franco Baresi, AC Milan's legendary captain.

Already hours before the funeral began, hundreds of people had gathered, with the red and black flag with the number 6 – the one that has always been at the forefront of the Curva Sud – waving amidst the applause and chants of the fans: “There is only one captain”.

A standing ovation greeted the arrival of Paolo Maldini and Marco Van Basten, along with Mauro Tassotti, Pietro Paolo Virdis, Giovanni Galli, and Daniele Massaro. Dozens of former AC Milan players were present, including Alberico Evani, Filippo Galli, Angelo Colombo, and Marco Simone. Coach Nevio Scala was also present, as was Riccardo Montolivo, a former AC Milan player who never played under Baresi.

A large banner was displayed by the Milan Curva Sud in the building in front of the basilica: "Immortal legend, inimitable flag that will never stop waving. Goodbye Captain."

Among those in attendance was AC Milan's new CEO Massimo Calvelli, and there was no shortage of controversy over the team's absence, due to their Australian tour. So much so that deafening boos were heard upon the arrival of owner and president Gerry Cardinale and Paolo Scaroni. This was not only due to the team's failure to return to Milan, but also due to the club's disappointing results in recent years: some fans chanted "vattente" (go away), and numerous boos were directed at the club's management. Mayor Beppe Sala was also booed.

(Unioneonline)

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