AC Milan Owner Gerry Cardinale Honors Franco Baresi With Full-Page Tributes in Italian Press

FolioPitch.com – 02 August 2026 | In a profound display of respect and remembrance, Cardinale pays tribute to Baresi with Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera pages. The AC Milan owner, Gerry Cardinale, took out dedicated full-page advertisements in both leading Italian newspapers on the day following the legendary defender’s passing. The gesture underscores the immense impact Franco Baresi had on the Rossoneri family and the broader football world, as tributes continue to pour in from every corner of the globe.

Baresi, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 66 after a courageous battle against illness. His death has sent shockwaves through the sport, with fans, former teammates, and clubs paying homage to a man whose name became synonymous with loyalty, leadership, and defensive excellence. For over two decades, Baresi anchored the AC Milan defense, captaining the team through one of the most successful eras in European football history.

The decision by Cardinale to commission these full-page tributes is a significant gesture, especially considering the relatively short time he has been associated with the club. Since taking over AC Milan in 2022, Cardinale has frequently emphasized the importance of honoring the club’s storied history while building for the future. By placing these advertisements, Cardinale pays tribute to Baresi with Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera pages, ensuring that the legend’s memory is permanently etched in the public consciousness.

The message, published on behalf of Cardinale and the entire club, reads as a heartfelt eulogy to the man known simply as “Il Capitano.” It acknowledges Baresi’s role in embodying the values, character, and excellence that define AC Milan. The statement also touches on Baresi’s final year, during which he continued to stand by the club even as he faced his greatest personal challenge. “Even in the last year, as he faced his greatest challenge, he always stood by AC Milan, silently reminding us what it means to represent these colours,” the tribute stated.

Baresi’s legacy extends far beyond his on-field achievements. He won six Serie A titles, three European Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups with AC Milan, but his influence was felt most profoundly through his leadership. He was the embodiment of the defensive art, a player who read the game with unmatched intelligence and inspired those around him to elevate their performance. His number 6 jersey was retired by the club, a rare honor that speaks to his extraordinary significance.

For Cardinale, this tribute is also a personal gesture. Although the American businessman was not part of Milan’s history during Baresi’s playing days, he met the legend on multiple occasions after the 2022 takeover. Baresi held a role within the club’s organizational structure, serving as an ambassador and a bridge between the past and the present. Those meetings left a lasting impression on Cardinale, who has often spoken about the importance of preserving the club’s heritage while pursuing modern success.

The tributes in Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera were not the only ones to appear. Gazzetta dedicated an extraordinary 19 pages to the legendary defender, a testament to his towering status in Italian football. The entire sports media landscape in Italy and beyond has been flooded with commemorative pieces, interviews, and retrospectives celebrating Baresi’s life and career. Yet, the pages personally commissioned by Cardinale stand out as a direct and intimate expression of gratitude from the club’s ownership.

As the Rossoneri family mourns, the message from Cardinale serves as a reminder of the bonds that tie a club to its icons. The tribute is not merely a farewell but a promise that Baresi’s memory will endure. Cardinale pays tribute to Baresi with Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera pages not only to honor the man but also to reaffirm the values he represented. In a sport often driven by short-term ambitions, such a gesture reinforces the timeless connection between a club and its legends.

Franco Baresi’s influence transcended club loyalties. He was a cornerstone of Italy’s national team, earning 81 caps and helping the Azzurri reach the 1994 World Cup final. His absence from the penalty shootout in that final remains one of football’s great what-ifs, yet his career is remembered for its brilliance rather than any missed opportunity. For Milan supporters, he was the ultimate captain, a player who never wavered in his commitment to the red and black stripes.

The outpouring of grief from around the world reflects the universal respect Baresi commanded. Rival fans, fellow legends, and current players alike have shared their condolences and memories. Social media has been filled with images of Baresi lifting trophies, marshaling his defense, and celebrating victories. His highlights reels are a masterclass in positioning, timing, and composure.

For Cardinale, the tribute is also a strategic statement about the club’s direction. By publicly honoring Baresi, he reinforces the notion that AC Milan’s identity is rooted in the past even as the club looks to the future. The decision to use two of Italy’s most influential newspapers ensures the message reaches the widest possible audience, both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, Cardinale’s heartfelt tribute through the pages of Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera represents more than just a commemorative gesture. It is a confirmation of Franco Baresi’s eternal place in the pantheon of football greats and a reaffirmation of the values that make AC Milan a beloved institution. The legacy of the Rossoneri’s greatest captain will live on in the memories of those who saw him play and in the hearts of all who understand what it means to wear the red and black. As the club and its fans move forward, they do so with the knowledge that Franco Baresi’s spirit will forever be a part of AC Milan.