After grandfather and father in Italian football, now the grandson

Grandfather Cesare Maldini made his debut in Italy 64 years ago. Father Paolo Maldini made his debut 36 years ago. Daniel Maldini has made his debut in the Italian team as the third generation footballer of the Maldini family. For the first time in Italian football, three members of the same family had the opportunity to play for the national team. It is a great history!

Cesare Maldini, Daniel’s grandfather, did not have a very long international career. He got a chance to play 14 matches after his debut. But Cesare’s achievements were eclipsed by Paolo, better known as Maldini. One of the greatest defenders of all time, he played 126 matches for Italy between 1988 and 2009.

Maldini also held the record for the most appearances for Italy during his time, which was surpassed by two World Cup-winning legends Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon. Whether or not Daniel will be able to recover his father’s lost records remains to be answered by time.

Father Maldini sat in the gallery and enjoyed Daniel’s debut in the national team jersey yesterday in Udine. Daniel, however, came on as a substitute in the 4–1 Nations League win against Israel. The 23-year-old replaced Giacomo Raspadori in the 74th minute of the match. Although Daniel came to football through the path of his grandparents, there is a big difference with them. While the two predecessors established themselves as defenders, Daniel is an attacking midfielder.

“The feeling is very positive,” said Daniel, who played for Monza on his debut in the Italian jersey. I’m glad I got on the field and the match went really well. My parents are here, that’s good too. I will talk to them when I go home.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored twice in Italy’s victory on Daniele’s debut night. Mateo Retegui and Davide Frattesi scored another goal each. With this victory, Italy is at the top of Group 2 of League ‘A’ of the Nations League. The Azzurri have 10 points in four matches with three wins and one draw.

Three generations of footballers from one family who played for Italy:

Cesare Maldini – Debut 1960, Paolo Maldini – Debut 1988, Daniel Maldini — Debut 2024

In another match in the same group, 10-man France beat Belgium 2–1 at home thanks to a brace from Randal Kolo Muani. Despite the win in Brussels, France have to finish second in the group. France’s points are 9 with 3 wins and 1 loss in four matches. And Belgium, which is in third place, has 4 points in 4 matches.