At L'Heysel, Baresi's rose tribute defies ban, wins Juventus' admiration

On the morning of 7 March 1990, Milan captain Franco Baresi stepped onto the former Curva Z of L'Heysel stadium, hours before the Coppa dei Campioni quarter‑final between Malines and Milan. Accompanied by club director Paolo Taveggia, he placed a bouquet of 39 red roses on the spot where the 1985 tragedy claimed 39 lives.

Tra the gestures that best illustrate Franco Baresi, this off‑field act stands out for its symbolism. It shows a personal commitment that transcended the competitive atmosphere of the match.

Milan had planned an official commemoration for the 39 victims of the 29 May 1985 disaster. The club sought permission to hold the ceremony at the stadium, intending to honour each lost supporter.

Belgian authorities refused the request, denying any official event at Heysel. The denial left the club without a sanctioned platform to remember the tragedy.

Undeterred, Baresi and Taveggia presented themselves at the sector and laid a single red rose for each of the 39 victims. The initiative was organised autonomously, without any official ceremony.

The quiet tribute did not escape attention. Soon after, the gesture was recognised by fans and the football community.

At the Stadio Comunale in Turin, the Juventus curva displayed a banner reading “Baresi, 39 volte grazie” to memorialise the act. The message cemented Baresi’s gesture in the memory of the Juventus supporters.