You just need to glance at the above photo to see the club legends on hand for the occasion, starting with Milan’s ex-coach and author of the book Sacchi alongside Adriano Galliani, Franco Baresi (not present in the photo but at the presentation of the book), Mauro Tassotti, Paolo Maldini, Filippo Galli, Daniele Massaro, Vincenzo Pincolini, Italo Galbiati and Paolo Taveggia.

Head coach Filippo Inzaghi was also present on Wednesday night.

This is what Sacchi had to say: “My story is one of a child that simply loved football and that gave him everything. Life has given me indescribable joys and emotions. I already said once I would have stopped, but in the end I didn’t do it. My last experience lasted 4 years. In a country where no one resigns, I resigned 10 times. I have to thank AC Milan and the players. Without them I would not have been able to write this book. But I don’t want to fain modesty: without that style of play, they wouldn’t have been that good. Milan was a club that had a dream: win, convince and entertain. They had some enlightened visions from Berlusconi, with my appointment and that of Capello. In addition, they had an important idea of how to play in addition to getting players suited for that playing system.” 

Galliani added: “With Sacchi we experienced unforgettable moments that have left me with wonderful memories of a fantastic era. Seeing this historic Milan defence lined up here I was moved. Football was innovated in those years, the Italian style of closing up in defence changed with Arrigo Sacchi, it convinced and it entertained. Everybody helped and there was a virtuous cycle between players, club and coach. In my opinion Sacchi’s Milan, the Ajax side of the 70s and Guardiola’s Barcelona changed world football. I will go to dinner tonight with all of them and coach Inzaghi, the past and the present, we’ve been fortunate people to have experienced this part of Milan’s history.”

It started at 11.00 with floor-exercises to loosen the muscles before going through fitness drills with running over varying speeds and stretching.

After a thorough warm-up, the players focused on tactics and in particular dead-ball situations.

Individuals: Bonera, Rami, Zaccardo and Zapata did the entire training session with the rest of the players.

On Friday the squad will train again at 11.00.