Franco Baresi

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

At age 20, while still playing in the Italy under-21 side, Baresi was named in Italy's 22-man squad for the 1980 European Championship (along with his older brother Giuseppe) by manager Enzo Bearzot. The tournament was held on home soil and Italy finished fourth. However, unlike his brother, Franco Baresi did not play a single match in the tournament. Euro 1980 would be the only time the two brothers were on the Italy squad together at a major tournament. At age 22, Baresi was named in Italy's squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. The Azzurri won their third World Cup, defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final, but Baresi, once again, was not selected to play a match throughout the tournament. Baresi was also a member of the Italy squad that took part in the 1984 Olympics. Italy finished in fourth place after a 2–1 semi-final defeat to Brazil, and after losing the bronze medal match 2–1 to Yugoslavia.

In Their Own Story

Baresi won his first senior international cap in a 1984 UEFA Championship qualifying match against Romania in Florence, on 14 December 1982, a 0–0 draw. Italy, however, ultimately failed to qualify for the final tournament. Baresi was not included in Italy's squad for the 1986 World Cup by coach Enzo Bearzot, who saw him as being more of a midfielder than a defender. He returned to the team for the 1988 European Championship, playing as a sweeper and becoming an undisputed first team member and playing in every match under Azeglio Vicini; Italy reached the semi-finals, losing 2–0 to the Soviet Union. Prior to the tournament, he scored his only international goal from a penalty in a 4–1 friendly home win against the same opponent on 20 February 1988. He made his first appearance in a World Cup finals match in the 1990 tournament, which was held on home soil.

Reader's Guide

Franco Baresi's international career spanned from his first senior cap on 14 December 1982 to the 1994 World Cup final. His most significant achievement was being a member of the 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, though he did not play a match. He was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for the 1990 tournament on home soil, where Italy finished third. At the 1994 World Cup, he was named Italy's captain and led the squad to the final, though he missed a penalty in the shoot-out as Brazil won. Baresi also represented Italy at two UEFA European Championships (1980 and 1988) and the 1984 Olympics, reaching the semi-finals on each occasion. He scored his only international goal from a penalty in a 4–1 friendly win against the Soviet Union on 20 February 1988.

Did You Know?

• Baresi was a member of the 1982 World Cup-winning squad but did not play a single match in the tournament.
• He scored his only international goal from a penalty in a 4–1 friendly win against the Soviet Union on 20 February 1988.
• Baresi was named Italy's captain for the 1994 World Cup and missed a penalty in the final shoot-out against Brazil.
• He was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for the 1990 tournament held on home soil.
• Euro 1980 was the only major tournament where Franco Baresi and his brother Giuseppe were on the Italy squad together.