Daniel Maldini Identified As Key Creative Player For Italy Ahead Of Nations League Clash

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Luciano Spalletti, Italy's head coach, sees Daniel Maldini as the creative force the team has been missing. Ahead of their Nations League match against Belgium, Spalletti believes Maldini could follow in the footsteps of his father, Paolo, and grandfather Cesare, both former Italy captains. If he plays at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, it would be a significant moment for the 22-year-old.

Maldini rose through Milan's ranks, making 24 appearances and scoring once. He spent three seasons on loan from 2022 to 2024. Last season, he was loaned to Monza and then made a permanent move in July. He scored five goals in 19 matches, helping Raffaele Palladino’s team secure 12th place in Serie A.

Under Alessandro Nesta's guidance at Monza, Maldini has excelled. He has completed more dribbles (12) than any other teammate this season. His performance earned him a senior call-up by Spalletti for the Nations League games against Belgium and Israel. The Monza forward replaces Lazio's Matteo Zaccagni.

Italy enters the match after a strong start in their Nations League A2 group, having defeated Israel and France last month. Following a disappointing Euro 2024 where they lost to Switzerland in the round of 16, Spalletti emphasized that facing Belgium is vital for their progress.

"We will immediately become a great team in every match where we will be able to give the best of ourselves," Spalletti stated. "It is a crucial match for our future."

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

Spalletti is also focused on the 2026 World Cup. Italy has won this tournament four times but failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 editions. However, they triumphed at the European Championships against England in 2021 under Roberto Mancini.

The coach highlighted how important the World Cup is to Italy’s history but stressed that players must concentrate on each game as it comes. "It is a tournament that has determined our history; it has made many people happy," Spalletti concluded.