After a perfect international break with two victories in two matches including this footballing lesson inflicted on the French team at the Parc des Princes (1-3), Luciano Spalletti’s Italy is back, determined to maintain its invincibility and thus the head of group 2 of League A. The Nazionale is therefore preparing for a double duel within the framework of the League of Nations which will see the Azzurri of Luciano Spalletti face Belgium on October 10 in Rome and Israel on October 14 in Udine. For this month of October, the former Napoli coach has, as in September with Caleb Okoli and Marco Brescianini, chosen to experiment with two new young people with the surprise call-ups of Niccolò Pisilli, young AS Roma midfielder, but above all Daniel Maldini, author of a fantastic start to the season in the Monza jersey. Beyond being a newcomer to the Spalletti gang, Maldini is a family name that particularly resonates in the hearts of the 58.94 million faithful of the Italian people.
The rest after this ad
First grandfather Cesare, then father Paolo and now him, Daniel. The Maldini dynasty in the national team continues with the Monza midfielder, called up for the first time in the Nazionale by coach Luciano Spalletti: “Daniel is the player we were missing. He has a beautiful, charming style and is good at contrasts. He knows how to anticipate the opponent and at that moment it becomes difficult to stop him. He knows how to play very well behind the opposing defense. Sometimes he’s quiet in the game, but I’ve seen him play with continuity and noticed some pretty significant growth», rejoiced the Italian coach. There were some surprises in the list of players called up and today during the press conference at the Coverciano Center, it was Daniel Maldini who spoke, he who is celebrating his first call-up, 22 years after the last presence of his father Paolo and even 61 years after that of his late grandfather Cesare.
To read
Italy: Lorenzo Lucca replaces Moise Kean
De Maldini to Maldini
It’s a story of which only Italy has the secret: tradition, nostalgia, romanticism. Words are lacking in the Italian press to describe the excitement of seeing a new Maldini wear the Squadra Azzurra jersey. And it only took Daniel a few hours to understand the weight of his last name in the selection: “I am very proud to be here. I heard the coach’s words and they are very pleasant. Today I start training with the group and hope to show positive things. It’s always nice to be called here. My family has always been close to me, we talked little about this summons, more about what we always talk about. I haven’t spoken much with Dad, I know he’s happy and everyone is happy. This is the most important. It has an effect on me to come here and see photos of my father and my grandfather. It is normal for every boy who plays football to dream of making it to the national team. I don’t remember much about grandfather, but I know he was always close to us. I’m focused on this break here. I live day by day“. The traces of Cesare (14 caps as a player, before becoming U21 coach then coach of the A) and Paolo (126 caps) are omnipresent in the grimoires of Italian football.
The rest after this ad
After a successful loan at Monza under Raffaelle Palladino, Daniel Maldini officially signed with the Lombard club following the end of his contract with AC Milan. A good way to continue his progress under the orders of Alessandro Nesta as he started in his 7 appearances (1 goal, 1 assist) in Serie A: “If it’s time for maturation? I believe so, now is the right time to be here. This call-up comes at the right time, I feel good on the pitch and with the team. Italy is a team with incredible quality, I hope to lend a hand in every way: I want to bring my quality but I also want to sacrifice myself for this team. In attack, all positions suit me really well. Perhaps I prefer to be a playmaker, but I also like playing on the wings or as a second point, it doesn’t change me much. I never asked Dad for advice on beating defenders, but we’ll see. But Spalletti is right: at certain times I am absent from the match, I have to stay there as much as possible. Being here is the best birthday present. Palladino helped me believe in myself from the start. Now it’s nice to have a coach like Nesta who talks to you, helps you and encourages you“. A Maldini is back in the Nazionale to the delight of the biggest Calcio fans.
Pub. the 09/10/2024 22:08
Update 09/10/2024 22:09