Italian football mourns the loss of Franco Baresi, a celebrated defender who passed away Friday at the age of 66. Baresi revolutionized the role of the defender, prioritizing positioning, tactical awareness, and quiet leadership over brute force. He was a pivotal figure for both AC Milan and the Italian national team, achieving significant success with both. Baresi is considered one of the last great practitioners of the "libero" position, a defensive role emphasizing sweeping and reading the game. His influence extends beyond trophies, as he redefined defensive play for a generation of footballers. The football world is paying tribute to a true icon of the sport.