🇮🇹 Azzurri Careers: Baresi's Rock & Baggio's Spark The international careers of Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio with the Azzurri perfectly encapsulate their contrasting roles: Baresi was the foundation of continuity and defense, while Baggio was the mercurial genius of attack, often defining a tournament with moments of brilliance and pathos. Franco Baresi: The Defensive Anchor Baresi’s 12-year international career (1982-1994) was one of defensive longevity and leadership. Stats: 81 caps, 1 goal, World Cup Winner (1982) (unused substitute), World Cup Third Place (1990), World Cup Runner-up (1994). Highlights: Despite being part of the 1982 World Cup winning squad, he didn't secure a starting spot until the late 1980s. He captained the team during the peak years, earning a place in the 1990 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. His ultimate drama came in the 1994 World Cup Final, where he made a heroic return from a meniscus tear to play 120 minutes of defensive masterclass, only to miss the...