Brashna Kasi
Juventus fans may have to wait until summer to see a potential new star grace their lineup. The Turin team has decided to postpone its pursuit of rising Italian talent Daniel Maldini until the next transfer window. The 23-year-old midfielder, known for his family legacy as the son of legendary defender Paolo Maldini, is currently making waves at Monza, where he’s demonstrating his skill after a series of earlier loan stints.
Daniel Maldini’s Journey So Far
Maldini began his career at AC Milan, but opportunities were limited in the first team. In search of growth, he embarked on loan spells at Spezia and Empoli. Last January, he made a permanent move to Monza. Since joining, he has been a consistent starter, participating in all of the team’s seven Serie A matches and contributing a goal and an assist.
His performance at Monza led to a significant milestone—his first senior call-up to the national team by head coach Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti referred to Maldini as the “missing piece” for the Italian squad. This recognition has only increased interest from major teams, including Inter Milan and Juventus.
Juventus’ Strategy Moving Forward
Despite their interest, Juventus will not pursue Maldini during the upcoming winter transfer window. According to Italian sports outlet Tuttosport, the club’s management has chosen to focus on more immediate needs like replacing injured defender Gleison Bremer and finding additional striking options to support Dusan Vlahovic.
As Juventus navigates these pressing challenges, they intend to monitor Maldini’s progress and could attempt to secure his services next summer. There is also a possibility they may look to reach an agreement with Monza earlier in the year, similar to what was done with goalkeeper Michele De Gregorio last season.
Pisilli’s First Call-Up
In another exciting development for Italy’s football scene, young Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli has received his first senior call-up. The 20-year-old shared his gratitude and excitement during a media session at Coverciano. “It’s an honor to be here and a great satisfaction,” Pisilli said. He emphasized his desire to learn from the experienced players on the team, stating, “I didn’t expect this at all… my goal is to improve myself day by day.”
Pisilli reflected on the support he received from coaches like Daniele De Rossi, José Mourinho, and Ivan Juric, acknowledging their roles in providing him opportunities to showcase his talent. He remains committed to Roma, but recognizes the unpredictability of a football career, saying, “It’s still too early to say whether I will be able to spend my entire career at Roma.”
Buffon’s Expectations for Italy
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has expressed optimism regarding the Italian national team’s performances following recent victories over France and Israel. He emphasized the significance of high expectations that accompany the national team, stating, “We always expect this calibre.” Buffon’s leadership and experience are pivotal as Italy prepares for future challenges in competitions like the Nations League.
Looking Ahead
As the football season progresses, both Juventus and the Italy national team are navigating important transitions. The focus for Juventus remains on addressing their immediate squad needs while keeping an eye on promising players like Maldini. For Pisilli and the other newcomers to the national stage, the opportunity to represent their country heralds a bright future.
In essence, the landscape of Italian football continues to evolve with young talent rising up and established players maintaining their roles. Fans can look forward to seeing how these developments shape the future of both club and country.
With these changes on the horizon, it’s clear that the passion for football runs deep, and the next generation is ready to step into the spotlight
