The Venezuelan Football Federation is endeavoring to persuade Daniel Maldini, currently on loan at Milan, to reconsider his allegiance from the Italy national team, a potential move that could mark the conclusion of an illustrious Azzurri lineage.
The lineage in question traces back to Cesare Maldini, who graced the Italian national team from 1960 to 1963. Subsequently, his son Paolo became an iconic figure donning the Azzurri jersey from 1988 to 2002, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier defenders in global football. Now, the mantle passes to the third generation of the Maldini family, as Daniel endeavors to carve his niche in Serie A.
Despite never having made a senior appearance for Italy, the younger Maldini has recently begun to garner attention while on loan with Monza. He has showcased his abilities by netting three goals and providing one assist in his last five league appearances, potentially meriting a permanent transfer in the forthcoming summer.
According to reports from Tuttosport, the FVF (Venezuelan Football Federation) is actively pursuing Maldini in hopes of persuading him to switch his international allegiance from Italy to Venezuela. Their aim is to include him in their squad while he remains on the periphery of the Italian national team.
At 22 years old, Maldini is eligible for Venezuelan representation through his mother, Adriana Fossa, who was born in Venezuela and has Italian heritage from her father’s side.
It’s worth noting that Maldini would not be the first Italian player to opt for Venezuelan representation. Former Frosinone and Udinese striker Massimo Margiotta and Pisa captain Ernesto Torregrossa have previously joined La Vinotinto.