Live TMW
1.05pm – The press conference will begin in a few minutes from the Coverciano press room Daniel Maldini. Twenty-two years old, the Monza second striker is at his first call-up for Italy and brings a Maldini back to the national team over 22 years after his father Paolo’s last presence and 61 years after grandfather Cesare.
1.27pm – The press conference begins.
With what spirit do you approach this double commitment?
“I’m very proud to be here. I heard the coach’s words and they are very pleasing. Today I start training with the group and I hope to show some good things.”
What time was it for you and your family? Is this call a victory for you?
“It’s always nice to be called here. My family has always been close to me, we talked little about this call and more about other things as we always do.”
Have you thought about the memories with your dad and your grandfather? Is it true that Venezuela wanted to summon you?
“Yes, I was contacted but I always preferred to wait for the right moment and a right choice for me. I think it was worth it. I didn’t talk much with dad, I know he’s happy and everyone is happy. This is the important thing.”
There are photos of your dad and your grandfather in here. What did you feel seeing them here? Will you be able to return to Milan in the future?
“It has a great effect on me to come in here and see photos of my dad and my grandfather. I’m focused on my retirement here. I live day after day. I’m not thinking about a possible return to Milan, everything is possible but I’m thinking about doing well and then we’ll see at the end of the year.”
How did you come to become Daniel Maldini with your own identity?
“Over time you begin to understand a few things and you begin to understand that the opinion of others can be positive or negative, but you have to continue on your own path. Time, as in all things, helps you understand many things.”
When you were a child did you already have the goal of playing for the national team? Do you remember something you said to each other with grandfather Cesare about Italy?
“It’s normal that every boy who plays football dreams of making it to the national team. I remember few things with my grandfather, I know he has always been close to us but too many years have passed to remember specific episodes.”
What is your role? Who do you have to say thank you to for being here?
“To the people who have always been close to me, if we reach certain goals it’s also thanks to them. For the role: in attack, anything really suits me, perhaps an attacking midfielder, but I’m also fine as a winger or second striker, it really doesn’t change much for me “.
Do you think you reached maturity at the right time? What would you like to bring to this national team?
“I really think so, now is the right time to be here. This call came at the perfect time, I feel good on the pitch and with the team. Italy is a team with incredible quality, I hope to help out in in any case: I want to bring my quality but I also want to sacrifice myself for this team.”
Which player inspires you? You asked Dad for advice on how to get the better of defenders
“As a footballer, Kaká was the one I like the most. I didn’t ask dad for any advice on how to beat defenders.”
Do you want to say a few words about Palladino and Nesta?
“Mister Palladino has always welcomed me as well as the rest of the team, he has helped me believe in my potential. With Nesta we have been together for a while now and I get along well with him too.”
Spalletti said that sometimes you absent yourself from the match, is this a flaw that you recognize? Friday is your birthday, what gift do you want to give yourself?
“The coach is absolutely right, I have to try to stay in the game as much as possible. The gift is being here, it’s already enough.”
How did you view your brother’s choice to retire?
“The important thing is his happiness. He decided this way at that moment and I see him happy with what he is doing.”
TMW – Which footballer did you see on the pitch that impressed you the most?
“In this championship I think Dybala is the player who has impressed me the most, the ease with which he does things is incredible.”
What do you think of this ultras issue?
“I don’t have much to say, you catch me a little unprepared. I just saw the news, but I don’t have much to say.”
1.55pm – Press conference concluded.