Baresi wore Milan's number 6 shirt with such distinction that the club withdrew the number after his retirement.

He said he was conscious he needed to win back fans' hearts after his surprise decision to leave in 2023 for a Saudi Arabia coaching job, just days after being given additional responsibilities for the Italian Under 21 and Under 20 teams.

Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Russian bookmaker Fonbet, prompting objections from Italian Football Federation (FIGC) officials and from Italian lawmakers.

Despite their storied past, the footballing world remains in shock as the Azzurri face a third consecutive absence from the finals, having failed to qualify since 2014.

Italy battled past Northern Ireland but didn't shine against a team which was largely made up of lower league players.

The Italians are seeking to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after missing the last two tournaments in Russia and Qatar, both following playoff defeats.

Famous past servants of the club include Italian internationals Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Altobelli, Andrea Pirlo and Luca Toni, as well as current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola who played there in 2001-02 and 2003.

Italy ensured their European Championship title defence would continue into the knockout stage as Mattia Zaccagni's dramatic 98th-minute equaliser snatched a 1-1 draw against Croatia on Monday.

The 57-year-old was watching defending champions Italy's 1-0 defeat by Spain in Germany on television on Thursday night when five armed individuals broke into his home near Vicenza in northeastern Italy.

The country's Interior and Sport Ministers, as well as the coordinator in combatting anti-Semitism, signed an agreement with FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina to battle the phenomenon in Italian stadiums