Franco Baresi, AC Milan and Italy great, dies aged 66

Franco Baresi, the Italian defender who embodied the art of defending during an era of tactical excellence, has died at the age of 66 after a period of ill health, according to The Guardian.

Baresi spent all 20 seasons of his professional career at AC Milan, captaining the club for 15 of them. He lifted two European Cups and six Serie A titles, lining up alongside some of the game's most glittering names, including Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Paolo Maldini.

With Italy, he reached the 1994 World Cup final, and he formed a legendary back line with Alessandro Costacurta, Mauro Tassotti and Maldini at Milan. Known for his timing, intelligence and calm authority, Baresi set the standard for a generation of defenders and leaves an enduring legacy in Italian football.