A Maldini is in the Italy squad for the first time in 22 years
AC Monza's Daniel Maldini, right, and Bologna's Jens Odgaard, left, challenge for the ball during a Serie A soccer match between Monza and Bologna in Monza, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Credit: AP/Photo AC Monza/ by Studio Buzzi
MILAN — For the first time in 22 years, there is a Maldini in the Italy squad.
Daniel Maldini was called up by Italy coach Luciano Spalletti on Friday for Nations League matches and could follow in the footsteps of his father Paolo and grandfather Cesare, both former Italy captains.
The 22-year-old Maldini, a forward, plays for Monza after coming through the ranks at AC Milan.
Paolo Maldini retired from international soccer following the 2002 World Cup. He played 126 times for Italy.
Cesare Maldini’s last Italy appearance was in 1963, and he also coached the Azzurri.
Spalletti named three other players who could make their debuts: Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, Milan defender Matteo Gabbia and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli.
Italy plays Belgium in Rome on Oct. 10 and Israel in Udine four days later.
Former Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, right, sings the national anthem wit Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti, center, before the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Credit: AP/Michel Euler
The Azzurri have won both of their Nations League matches so far against France and Israel, and top their group.
Italy
Goalkeepers: Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan), Caleb Okoli (Leicester), Destiny Udogie (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Former Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, right, sings the national anthem wit Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti, center, before the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Credit: AP/Michel Euler
Forwards: Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Daniel Maldini (Monza), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Atalanta).
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