My dad is considered one of the GOATs – now I’m following his and my grandad’s footsteps after historic Italy debut

DANIEL MALDINI followed in the footsteps of his father and grandad by making his Italy debut last night.

The midfielder, who left AC Milan for Monza this summer, came off the bench in his side’s 4-1 Nations League win over Israel.

Daniel Maldini followed in his dad’s and grandad’s footsteps by making his Italy debutRex

Dad Paolo is regarded as one of the greatest players in historyPA:Empics Sport

And in doing so, the 23-year-old became the third Maldini to play for Italy after dad Paolo and grandfather Cesare.

Daniel got a 15-minute run-out in last night’s match after being left on the bench for last week’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.

And afterwards he admitted he was full of emotion, saying: “I’m happy that my parents came here, we’ll have a chance to talk when I get home.

“The dedication goes to my family and friends, to those who love me.

“Strong, positive emotions, I’m very happy to have come on and that the match went well.

“We were always in control of the match until their goal, then we were good at holding our own with our game and it showed.

“I hope to bring some quality, even if there is already too much. I try to help as much as possible.”

Fans were certainly left blown away by Daniel becoming the third Maldini to play for Italy.

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One said: “Family made for football.”

Another declared: “Italy has a monarchy.”

Grandad Cesare was also an icon for Italy and AC MilanGetty

One noted: “Three generations of greatness.”

Another added: “Football’s legendary family.”

Daniel has some way to go though if he wants to match the achievements of the senior Maldinis.

Grandad Cesare, who died in 2016 aged 84, was a defender who won 14 caps for Italy after making his debut in 1960.

A fine club career saw spells with Triestina and Torino sandwich 412 games for AC Milan, where he won four titles and a European Cup.

But even Cesare was outshone by son Paolo, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in history.

The versatile centre-back, 56, remained at Milan his entire career, playing a mind-blowing 902 times while winning seven titles and five Champions Leagues.

He is Italy’s third-most capped player in history with 126 appearances following his debut in 1988.

But he had retired from internationals by the time Italy won the World Cup in 2006, with his club career ending in 2009.

As for Daniel, he played 24 times for Milan before embarking on loans to Spezia, Empoli and Monza.

He joined the latter in July permanently and has since played eight times in all competitions.