What a whirlwind 24 hours for Daniel Maldini! The attacking midfielder, fresh off sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Cagliari against his parent club Atalanta, found himself in the eye of a storm, facing a police investigation and losing his driving license in the early hours of Sunday.
From match-winner to the center of a police report, Maldini's weekend took a stunning turn. This isn't just a story about an accident; it's a stark reminder of the intense scrutiny and high stakes that come with being a professional footballer.
Key Points:
- Daniel Maldini scored the winning goal for Cagliari against Atalanta on Saturday.
- Hours later, he was involved in a car accident in Milan during the early hours of Sunday.
- Milan police confirmed a positive breathalyser test, leading to his driving license suspension.
- Cagliari issued a statement supporting their player, citing negative toxicology reports.
From Match-Winner to Midnight Mayhem
Saturday saw Daniel Maldini rise to the occasion, bagging a crucial goal that secured a vital 2-1 win for Cagliari. The emotional high of defeating his parent club Atalanta was undoubtedly immense, showcasing his talent and importance to the Sardinian side.
However, the celebration was short-lived. In the early hours of Sunday morning in Milan, Maldini's Porsche Carrera 4 collided with another vehicle. The incident resulted in minor injuries for six people, including the player, who was briefly hospitalized for precautionary checks.
License Revoked After Milan Incident
Following the collision, Maldini was subjected to a breathalyser test by Milan city police. The results were immediate and severe. Police confirmed that his driving license was confiscated after registering a positive result for alcohol.
Reports from the scene indicate the 24-year-old midfielder recorded a blood alcohol level significantly over Italy's legal limit of 0.5 grams per litre. An initial test showed 0.91 g/l, followed by a second reading of 0.89 g/l – nearly double the permitted threshold.
Cagliari's Swift Response and Support
Despite the clear findings from local police, Cagliari quickly moved to support their on-loan player. The club, for whom Maldini has made six appearances and scored two goals this season, issued a statement to address the rapidly escalating media reports.
The Rossoblu's official release stated that Maldini had "undergone toxicological screening following recent media reports" and that "all tests returned negative results". This swift response aims to keep the playmaker focused, confirming he would rejoin the squad for training as normal.
Carrying a Legendary Legacy
Beyond the weekend's events, Daniel Maldini carries one of football's most iconic surnames. He follows in the colossal footsteps of his father, Paolo, and grandfather, Cesare – both undisputed legends of the game and AC Milan icons.
Daniel has already forged his own path, becoming the third generation of his family to represent Italy, making his international debut against Israel in a Nations League fixture in 2024. With six caps for the Azzurri, this incident adds another layer of complexity to a career already under intense public scrutiny due to his prestigious lineage.
