At AC Milan, the era of the third Maldini generation could start in Italian football: Daniel Maldini, 18-year-old son of Milan icon Paolo Maldini, made his first appearance in the Serie A match against SSC Napoli (1-1) on Saturday squad. For the time being he stayed on the bench, but the professional debut could follow in the coming weeks.
Because at the traditional club, positive news has become rare. Milan is also coming out with the new coach Stefano Pioli from the sporting crisis. The draw against Napoli was the sixth competitive game under Pioli, while celebrated the 54-year-old only one victory. In the Serie A table, Milan is in 12th place with 14 points, while city rider Inter has gained 20 points more in second place.
Unlike his father, legendary defender of Milan, Daniel Maldini is on the offensive at home. Maldini Junior, who has played in the U19 so far this season, recently extended his contract with the Milanese until 2024. He had already completed the season preparation with the pros and had been used in the Champions Cup in the 0-1 defeat against Bayern.
The Maldini family wrote football history at Milan. The 2016 deceased Cesare Maldini had worn as a player for twelve seasons the Milan jersey, with which he won four championship titles and in 1963 the European Cup of Champions. He also coached Milan twice from 1973 to 1974 and 2001.
His son Paolo, who is considered one of the best defensive players in football history, spent his entire professional career in Milan from 1984 to 2009, with the AC he has been able to win the Champions League five times. He played the record number of 647 games in the Milan jersey. Since 2019, 51-year-old Maldini has been Technical Director with the Lombards.
