Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The AC Milan community and social media are mourning Stefano "Verbania" Milani, a passionate Rossoneri fan, who passed away at the age of 57 after a long illness. Known on X as "Stefano Verbania," over the years he had become much more than a simple fan, recounting his daily battle with illness with sincerity, dignity, and extraordinary strength of spirit, which had transformed him into a role model for so many.
Deeply attached to AC Milan, Stefano had built a community founded on the values of passion and resilience. The Rossoneri club had repeatedly expressed its support for him: in 2024, he was invited to Milanello by then-coach Stefano Pioli, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In recent months, he had also received affectionate video messages from Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Alessandro Del Piero, a testament to the affection and respect he had earned far beyond the footballing colors.
Upon the news of his death, social media filled with messages of condolence.
Among the most heartfelt was that of former tennis player Paolo Bertolucci: "He fought like no other, never taking a step back. A rare example of honesty and openness. A true captain for all Rossoneri fans. Goodbye Stefano." Journalist and Nerazzurri fan Giacomo "Ciccio" Valenti also had a moving remembrance: "He has stopped suffering. A unique and infinite example of courage, fight, strength, and gentlemanliness.
Stefano, you were one of the most beautiful examples I've ever met." The farewell from Paolo Maldini, who in recent months had dedicated a personal video message to him, in which he said, "I know you're a great AC Milan fan, I wanted to send you a big hello and tell you to never give up, like we always have." Perhaps best represents what Stefano meant to the AC Milan fans. With the passing of Stefano Milani, a beloved voice in the AC Milan community has gone, but the example of a man who never stopped fighting remains.
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