It runs in the blood – Maldini´s joy after Italy debut

Daniel Maldini, son of Italy great Paolo, made his international debut in their 4-1 win over Israel, becoming the third generation of his family to play for the Azzurri.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Mateo Retegui and Davide Frattesi scored the goals, ensuring they remained top of their Nations League group after four games.

Maldini came on as a 74th-minute substitute to replace Giacomo Raspadori on Monday, with his father, who earned 126 caps for the national team, watching from the stands.

It is the first time three generations of a family have played for Italy’s national team, with Paolo Maldini’s final match coming 22 years and 118 days ago, while Cesare Maldini, Daniel’s grandfather, played for the last time 61 years and one day ago.

“I’m happy that my parents came here, we’ll talk when I get home,” Daniel Maldini, who also played for Milan like his father and grandfather, said after the match.

“It was a strong, positive emotion, I am very happy to have played and that the match went well.

“I hope to bring some quality, even if there is already too much. I try to help as much as I can.”

3 – With Cesare, Paolo and Daniel, Maldini is the first family with three generations of players (grandfather, father and son) in the history of Italy. 22 years and 118 days have passed since Paolo Maldini’s last match with Italy and 61y 1d since Cesare Maldini’s last. Dynasty. pic.twitter.com/UgUyqxeZes

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) October 14, 2024