Like grandfather, like father, like son.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
A third generation of the Maldini family got on the scoresheet in Serie A as Daniel Maldini helped AC Milan to a 2-1 win at Spezia.
Daniel scored his first Serie A goal 13 years and 179 days after the last league goal netted by his celebrated dad Paolo - against Atalanta in 2008 - and 60 years 22 days after his grandfather Cesare scored against Catania in 1961.
In his first start for Milan, the 19-year-old Maldini headed in a 48th minute cross from Pierre Kalulu which proved too powerful for Spezia goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet to keep out.
"Daniel has talent, technique, he reads the game well and knows how to integrate himself," Milan coach Stefano Pioli told DAZN.
Paolo Maldini, who is now a technical director at the club where he made more than 900 appearances as a player, jumped out of his seat in celebration.
Milan almost doubled their lead shortly after but Rafael Leao's curled effort came off the post.
Daniele Verde levelled for Spezia 10 minutes from time but substitute Brahim Diaz restored Milan's lead six minutes later.
Maldini's contribution enabled Milan to move top of the league, a point ahead of Napoli, who play Cagliari on Sunday.
Defending champions Inter Milan are now two points behind their city rivals after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Atalanta in a highly entertaining match which included 43 shots on goal and a late penalty miss by the Nerazzurri.
Ruslan Malinovskyi scored one goal for Atalanta, set up the other and also hit the post.
Inter had netted 18 goals in their first five matches and opened the scoring again in the fifth minute when Lautaro Martinez volleyed Nicolo Barella's cross into the top right corner.
Malinovskyi levelled on the half hour when he curled a swerving effort into the far corner and eight minutes his parried effort allowed Rafael Toloi to sweep in the rebound.
Inter levelled in the 71st when Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso parried Federico Dimarco's effort into the path of Edin Dzeko, who tapped in at the back post.
Inter had a golden chance to win the match four minutes from time when awarded a penalty for a handball by Atalanta defender Merih Demiral but Dimarco fired the spot kick against the bar.
In the late game, Genoa and Verona played out a 3-3 thriller at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in front of representatives of the home side's new owners, US investment firm 777 Partners.
The visitors led 2-0 until Genoa launched an extraordinary comeback with three goals in eight minutes late on, only for Nikola Kalinic to head home a stoppage-time equaliser.
with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
