Maldini Marks Legacy with First Italy Start in Nations League Clash

DORTMUND, Germany — Daniel Maldini made his first senior start for Italy in the Nations League quarter-final against Germany on March 23, 2025, nearly 8,314 days after his father Paolo’s last appearance for the national team. The match kicked off at Signal Iduna Park at 19:45 GMT.

The 23-year-old Atalanta player sought to honor the Maldini legacy as he stepped into the starting lineup, a significant milestone not just for him, but for Italian football. Paolo Maldini garnered 126 caps, becoming a symbol of Italy’s footballing prowess during his career, which spanned from 1988 to 2002. This match marked a poignant moment in football history, with Daniel following in his father’s iconic footsteps.

Prior to the game, coach Luciano Spalletti voiced the importance of this encounter, stating, “We must treat this moment as a chance to prove what we are made of.” Italy faced a tough challenge, having lost the first leg 2-1 at San Siro, where they initially led through Sandro Tonali’s goal before succumbing to Germany’s comeback.

Spalletti made several changes to the starting XI, including bringing in Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Daniel Maldini to bolster the Azzurri’s defense. “When you play against opponents who are physically strong, it means you need to do everything right,” Spalletti added, acknowledging the need for tactical adjustments and resilience.

Italy’s starting eleven included Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Gatti, Bastoni, and Buongiorno forming the back three. Di Lorenzo and Udogie operated as wing-backs, supplemented by Nicolò Barella and Samuele Ricci in midfield, while Moise Kean led the attack with Maldini. The tactical shift was aimed at neutralizing Germany’s attacking threats.

Germany, managed by Hansi Flick, adopted a similar approach with a three-man defense. Flick’s squad demonstrated a strong start, putting Italy under pressure early in the match. “I expect Germany to press high again, just as they did in the first match. We must hold out under the initial impact and treat these games as a moment of joy,” Spalletti cautioned.

The match context was heightened by historical significance. Italy has a legacy of excellence in football, with past triumphs including a memorable victory over Germany in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals at the same stadium.

As the match progressed, both teams engaged in back-and-forth exchanges, underscoring the high stakes of the encounter. Comments from fans following earlier performances reflected a mix of skepticism and hope as they urged the players to rise to the occasion.

The pressure was palpable, with Italy needing a win to advance in the tournament. “We have the strength to play any type of match,” Spalletti concluded before the match commenced, emphasizing the team’s potential when fully committed.