Several generations

Never existed before! National team as a family affair

Daniel Maldini (center) is the third generation of his family to play for the senior national team, following his grandfather Cesare and his dad Paolo.(Bild: AFP/APA/Tiziana FABI)

After grandfather Cesare and dad Paolo, Daniel Maldini also wore the Italy senior national team kit for the first time on Monday evening.

The 23-year-old AC Monza attacker came on as a substitute in the 4:1 Nations League win against Israel, making history: it is the first time that three generations of a family have played for the Italian national team.

Parents were at the stadium
Daniel's grandfather Cesare Maldini made 14 appearances for Italy between 1960 and 1963, while his son Paolo Maldini played 126 times for his home country. Only Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro made more international appearances in the Squadra Azzurra jersey. The former world-class defender did not miss his son Daniel Maldini's big moment, watching the game in Udine from the stands with his wife.

"It was a strong, positive feeling. I'm very happy to have been substituted and that the game went well," said debutant Daniel Maldini. "I'm glad my parents were here to watch." Coach Luciano Spalletti substituted the 23-year-old for the last 20 minutes or so. The attacker was unable to score a goal. However, the match is said to have been just the beginning of his career in the national jersey.