Facchetti, a former Inter and Italy defender, died at Milan's cancer institute after several weeks of struggling with a serious illness.

He won four league titles and two European Cups during his 18-year spell with Inter in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sandro Mazzola paid his respect to Facchetti.

"He was a great figure on the field and off it. He was a wonderful team mate and the authoritative figure in the squad. He was always ready to battle, he was a great."

Facchetti captained Italy in 70 of his 94 appearances for the Azzurri.

"He was the captain of our generation. He was a clean face and unfortunately he has left us far too soon. We had an excellent relationship. He knew he could count on me and I knew I could count on him," said Italian football legend Gigi Riva

In 2004, the former attacking full-back became the first player to preside over Inter after spending several years with the club.

His death comes only weeks after Inter were awarded the Scudetto title in the aftermath of the Italian football scandal.