Midway through the twentieth century, an elegant defender called Cesare Maldini spent over a decade starring for AC Milan. He’d win four Serie A titles and a European Cup with the Rossoneri, ensuring a place in the club’s hall of fame. His son, Paolo Maldini had a big pair of boots to fill and he’s done it in style. He was a Milan player for astonishing 25 years, winning everything that can be won between 1984 and 2009.Daniel Maldini in action against Spezia (©AFP)Twelve years later, Paolo’s son made his first start in Milan’s away game at Spezia. And to make the day a truly memorable one, he went on to score for the red and blacks. It’s the stuff of dreams for the 19-year-old! Although he broke the tradition slightly by playing in midfield rather than in defence, it was still lovely to see a Maldini finding the net with a firm header.
Although the Milan fans already got a few glimpses of Daniel’s skill over the past year or so, it was the first time that the coach Stefano Pioli entrusted the youngster with a first-eleven berth. And his faith was rewarded!However, the hosts did everything to spoil the sunny Saturday afternoon for the Rossoneri supporters. Spezia, who pushed Juventus all the way just a few days earlier, never gave up and managed to level ten minutes from time when a Daniele Verde’s left-footed effort bounced off Milan’s Sandro Tonali and went in past Mike Maignan. After Cesare [1954] and Paolo [1985] the Maldini legend with AC Milan continues: Daniel Maldini (19) starts for the first time in Serie A. 🔴⚫️ #ACMilanHe’s into AC Milan starting XI today with Saelemaekers, Rebic and Giroud.His father Paolo is currently AC Milan director. pic.twitter.com/CXX7xnaNo0— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2021 The visitors wouldn’t give up the points, however, and they managed a late winner when in-form Brahim Diaz made the most out of a fine low cross from Alexis Saelemaekers to fire through the legs of Jeroen Zoet with five minutes to go.SERIE A – Round 6SaturdaySpezia – Milan 1-2 (0-0)/Verde 80 – Maldini 48, Diaz 86/20.00: (2.05) Inter (3.60) Atalanta (3.80)21.45: (2.85) Genoa (3.20) Verona (2.75)Sunday13.30: (1.40) Juventus (4.90) Sampdoria (9.00)16.00: (1.43) Sassuolo (4.70) Salernitana (8.50)16.00: (2.95) Udinese (3.20) Fiorentina (2.65)16.00: (2.70) Empoli (3.35) Bologna (2.80)19.00: (2.70) Lazio (3.35) Roma (2.80)21.45: (1.27) Napoli (6.75) Cagliari (11.0)Monday21.45: (3.60) Venezia (3.35) Torino (2.20)***odds are subject to change