Paolo Maldini, leading Italy by example

An inspired defender in the left-back berth, Maldini is also the starting point of many Italian attacks down the left flank while his ability in the air makes him a regular goal-scorer at set piece situations.

A captain who leads by example, Maldini has shown his adaptability by playing in central defence in important games such as the 1994 World Cup final, lost to Brazil on penalties, and AC Milan’s 4-0 European Cup final (94) demolition of Spanish giants Barcelona.

Maldini junior has played all his club football with AC Milan, making his debut at the age of 16 and winning five Italian league titles and three European Champions Cup todate.

First capped for Italy by Azeglio Vicini as a 19-year-old in a 1-1 friendly draw with Yugoslavia in March 1988, he has been ever present over the last decade, winning 86 caps by April this year. At club level, Maldini has experienced unaccustomed setbacks over the last two seasons as AC Milan have gone into transition.That relative lack of success as well as obvious family pride means Maldini brings in special motivation.

The Maldini father and son show at senior level has been on the road since father Cesare took over the squad in December 1996.

As coach to Italy’s under-21 side, Cesare called up his then 18-year-old son for his first cap.

Paolo Maldini has gone on record to recall that first call-up, saying, “With the under-21’s, the situation was embarrassing because for better or worse there were always people willing to say that I was a favoured son…”“I’ve always tried to forget that the coach is my father, but anyway since those early days, things have changed and people don’t makecertain accusations anymore.”

Paolo Maldini will turn 30 during the World Cup and it could be that both he and his father have a lot to celebrate.