Galli: "Skinny but with incredible strength, a leader, an example: my Baresi"

The former AC Milan goalkeeper: "A master of tactical awareness, his style of play thrived under Sacchi. Few words and many actions from him."

"It's easy to be a goalkeeper with Baresi in defence." Giovanni Galli heard this so many times that he eventually decided to joke about it. "Because wasn't it the same for Franco with me in goal?" This always drew laughs. In Sacchi's AC Milan, the number one rarely made the headlines. Yet, Giovanni was a national team goalkeeper long before he arrived in Milan. "I met Baresi while playing for the national team; we experienced the 1982 World Cup together, even though neither of us played. You know, Franco had the misfortune of emerging when a certain Scirea was around, otherwise he would have finished with over 100 caps for Italy. But even as an opponent, when he was still a youngster, I understood what he was made of."

Then in 1986 you arrived at Milan and... 

"And I got to know Baresi the person thoroughly. An exceptional man and an example to everyone: in four years together, he probably missed no more than three training sessions. And then, of course, we're talking about a phenomenal player." 

What struck you most about Baresi the player? 

"Franco wasn't tall or muscular. In fact, he was skinny, almost tiny. Yet, I've never seen anyone with such strength in their legs. He was also a master of tactical awareness, a characteristic that allowed him to dominate in Sacchi's football." 

In what sense? 

"We came from Liedholm, who used the offside trap, yes, but in a static way. Arrigo, however, wanted us to be aggressive and dynamic at all times. We defended by pushing forward, and Baresi thrived even more." 

How did he manage to lead others? 

"By example. Lots of actions, few words. I don't even believe Baresi ever wanted to be a leader; rather, it was others who recognised his role, even through his glances and silences."

What's your fondest memory of him? 

"I jealously guard a photo. Barcelona 1989, we had just won the European Cup against Steaua. The UEFA president hands the trophy to Franco, and I'm there, behind him. I spontaneously lift him up just as he raises the Cup to the sky. The resulting photo was of extraordinary purity. Looking back at that shot, I see all the happiness in the world in the Captain's eyes. He had suffered so much on and off the pitch, with and for Milan, sacrificing a part of his career. He deserved that Cup, because after experiencing Serie B, he had brought the Devil back to where they belong, above everyone and everything." 

Was that your finest victory? 

"Actually, the 1988 league title gave me even more satisfaction, partly because one had been snatched from under my nose a few years earlier with Fiorentina. But back then, there wasn't a podium with a prize-giving ceremony like today. So, that afternoon in Como, we didn't enjoy it much, which was a shame, because we had a fantastic season." 

Just 14 goals conceded in 30 matches. 

"Hold on, let me stop you right there. It was 12 in 30, because two were awarded against us to Roma due to the firecracker incident involving Tancredi, but I certainly didn't concede them!" 

Of course, easy with the Piscinin in front. 

"Again... It's easy to say that almost 40 years later, rather. But that defence had a Maldini who had just come of age and then a very young Costacurta. As a goalkeeper, I had to act a bit like a conductor: I'd shout, warn of danger, give instructions. And I enjoyed it. Also because Franco was a great leader, but in a year, he'd say three words at most, eh (laughs)." 

"Look, I'll tell you the truth: he was the one who asked me if we could go together, when he found out in the chat with the 1982 World Cup winners that the funeral would be on Tuesday (yesterday). It gave me enormous pleasure, as did seeing the banner of "my" Fiorentina behind the altar in the church." 

Was Franco loved and respected even by opponents? 

"Are you kidding? I've never heard a bad word about Baresi from an opponent. Players like him or Maldini have no flaws; they cannot be criticised or attacked in any way. That's why I imagine many fans of other teams also shed tears during these days of mourning." 

Is this Baresi's greatness? 

"His human greatness, yes. For his footballing greatness, I'll use Maradona's thought, with whom I later played in Naples: "Giovanni, you don't know how difficult it is to get past Baresi." And if Diego said it..."

This article was originally written in Italian by La Gazzetta dello Sport editor. The English version has been generated using AI translation tools. If you notice any translation errors or have suggestions, please contact us at iniziativegazzetta@rcs.it