Daniel Maldini scores for Milan as youngster nets on first Serie A start 4,500 days after Paolo's final match

The 19-year-old is following in the footsteps of his father as well as grandfather Cesare Maldini.

Gabriel McKay Digital journalist

15:49, 25 Sep 2021Updated 15:53, 25 Sep 2021

AC Milan's Italian forward Daniel Maldini celebrates after opening the scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Spezia and AC Milan on September 25, 2021 at the Alberto-Picco stadium in La Spezia. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Daniel Maldini continued the family legacy by scoring on his first league start for Milan.

The attacking midfielder is the son of legendary defender Paolo, and the grandson of European Cup winning captain Cesare.

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The 19-year-old was handed his first Serie A start away to Spezia on Saturday afternoon, with the Rossoneri looking to go top at least temporarily.

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And in the 48th minute Maldini got on the end of a Pierre Kalulu cross to head home his first goal for Milan, exactly 4,500 days after his father's last match on 31 May, 2009.

Daniel was substituted on 59 minutes, with his side going on to win 2-1.

AC Milan versus Liverpool May 2007 European football UEFA champions league final score 2 1 Athens Greece AC Milan's Paolo Maldini lifts the trophy following his team's victory over Liverpool in their Champions League final soccer match in Athens May 23, 2007. REUTERS/Shaun Botterill/Pool (GREECE)

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Paolo Maldini was watching on in the stands as his son scored to continue one of the most remarkable dynasties in European football.

Cesare Maldini played 412 games for Milan, winning four Serie A titles and captaining them to European Cup glory.

Son Paolo then went on to exceed even those achievements as he became Milan's record appearance holder.

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Maldini Jr made 902 appearances, winning the Champions League /European Cup no fewer than five times.

He also won seven league titles and was the record Serie A appearance holder until that was surpassed by Gianluigi Buffon.

Daniel has bucked the family trend by playing in attack rather than defence and certainly has a lot to live up to, but Maldini the Third now has one goal in 15 appearances.