Q: Mr. Baresi after such a long and glorious career, is it possible for you to mention one match as the best you ever played?
A: Well, taking apart the ones I played for AC Milan, it comes in my mind Italy-Brazil we played in the US in 1994 FIFA World Cup. It was hot and obviously there was huge pressure on us. Everybody knows the way I got to that game, I had an injury but I had to come back and help my country to win the Cup. Unfortunately we lost on penalties, but was an incredible match!
Q: Talking about incredible matches, during your twenty years career you had to face the best players in the world. Who comes in your mind?
A: Maradona for sure, and then Platini and Careca: unbelievable players. But probably I could tell you of many others.
Q: Poland and Ukraine will host Euro 2012, after beating Italy among the others.
A: They got a great chance. What I know is they feel it with the right enthusiasm. I’m sure it’s gone to be a very good tournament. People everywhere is expecting to live a great show. I wish to see a big event made for people who love football. Poland and Ukraine represent two football increasing movements. I met Poland many times with Italy. During my times I remember memorable matches like the World Cup Semifinal in Spain.
Q: You mentioned the World Cup. FIFA will organize the Cup in Qatar in 2022. What is your opinion about this challenge?
A: As you said it looks like a challenge, but they are ready to afford it. I’m expecting some innovation from the organizing team to overcome the difficulties of the temperature. I’m confident. It’ll be a good tournament.
Q: Back to Italy and AC Milan, how do you see the season of Rossoneri?
A: They are doing very well. They deserve to win Scudetto for everything they did from the beginning.
Q: Inter started as Scudetto and Champions League holder. What happened to Leonardo’s team?
A: Above all too many injuries.
Q: Who surprised you the most?
A: Napoli made something important. Absolutely surprising!
Q: Franco Baresi spent his whole career with AC Milan. Who is the new Baresi?
A: There is not another Baresi because football is really different now. The game is strange. People live it differently. Probably because many things changed around it. Definitely it’s not easy to play for a team for such a long time.
Q: And Totti and Del Piero?
A: They are different. They are special. Probably the best Italian players.
Q: You have been with Sacchi and Capello. AC Milan coach now is Massimiliano Allegri. Any similarities between them?
A: No, definitely not. Allegri is Allegri!
Q: On the other side of Milan there is a former AC Milan man: Leonardo
A: Oh yes. Good luck to him!
Q: Last question is a suggestion for the future. Any young player to follow?
A: One is Ranocchia, a very good defender. The other one is Mario Balotelli...