Daniel Maldini now faces serious punishments from not only Italian authorities, but also the national team, as a damning new report into his car crash this week has emerged.
The 24-year-old, son of the legendary Paolo, one of the best players in football history, was involved in a car accident on Sunday morning in Milan, after he had scored the winner in Cagliari’s 2-1 away win at Atalanta in the Serie A.
Six people were reportedly involved in the two-car crash, with all said to have suffered minor injuries. Three ambulances and a medical car were sent to the scene following the incident, with Maldini taken to hospital.
New Report Offers Worrying Insight into Maldini's Car Accident
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini's road traffic incident wasn't merely caused by accident. The attacking midfielder was driving his Porsche Carrera with three other people in the car and, according to reports, he failed to give way to a Volkswagen Golf carrying a man and a woman, causing the crash.
Police and ambulances arrived at the scene, where Maldini failed a breathalyser test. The first test was 0.91mg/l and the second was 0.89mg/l, above Italy’s legal limit of 0.5mg/l. Therefore, police confiscated his driving license.
To make things worse, according to the same report, Maldini also tested positive in a preliminary test to check for drug use. The hospital’s full toxicology test results are now being assessed.
Maldini Now Faces Hefty Fine & Ban From the Italian National Team
As per Sport Mediaset, the consequences that Madlini now faces could see him denied a call-up to the national team. In their report, they claim Cagliari could impose an internal fine, but this would be the least of his concerns.
Indeed, because of the Azzurri's code of ethics and conduct, the door could be closed on any plans Roberto Mancini had in calling him up to the squad ahead of October's international break - the first opportunity he would have to prove he's worthy of future involvement as Italy try to put their World Cup failures behind them and focus on the European Championship.
Unlike his famous father and grandfather, Daniel operates further up the pitch as an attacking midfielder. He came through Milan’s academy and made 24 senior appearances for the Italian giants before spells with Spezia, Empoli and Monza.
Maldini later joined Atalanta and spent the second half of last season on loan at Lazio before making another temporary switch to Cagliari. The six-cap Italy international has since made a bright start in Sardinia, with Cagliari currently sitting fourth in Serie A and due to face Udinese next Saturday.
- Robin Mumford
