Atalanta forward Daniel Maldini has made his first start for Italy, playing from the kickoff in their UEFA Nations League semifinal clash against Germany.
This marks his fourth appearance for the national team, but it’s the first time he’s been named in the starting lineup. Nearly 23 years after his father Paolo’s last match, the Maldini name once again graces Italy’s starting XI.
The last time Paolo Maldini featured for Italy was on June 18, 2002, in a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 match against South Korea. Italy was eliminated 2-1 after conceding a “golden goal” in extra time.
OFFICIAL: Thiago Motta has been dismissed, and Igor Tudor is appointed as the new head coach of Juventus.
The Maldini legacy in the national team runs deep—Daniel’s grandfather, Cesare Maldini, played for Italy from 1960 to 1963, earning 14 caps, and also served as the national team’s head coach from 1997 to 1998.
