Maldini needs ‘rest time’ and names four Serie A title contenders for Inter

Paolo Maldini insists he needs ‘rest time’ and feels Milan, Juventus, Roma and Napoli will challenge Inter for the Serie A title this season.

Italy and Milan legend Maldini spoke to Italian reporters from Coverciano on Monday, as quoted by Milannews.

The first question was about Serie A and the race for the title in Italy.

“The league is not highly rated, but technically, tactically, and in terms of knowledge, it’s in the top three [in Europe],” the former defender said.

“Inter are the best-equipped team, then there have been many changes among the opponents, who will need a bit of time to put the team together. Milan finished second last season and are a candidate. Juventus brought reinforcements, like Napoli and Roma. These are the teams fighting for the title.”

Maldini needs ‘rest time’ and names four Serie A title contenders for Inter

Milan sacked Maldini before the start of the 2023 summer transfer window, but the former defender is not tired of staying at home.

“No, the end of my career was long and demanding,” he insisted.

“The same goes for the director career. Rest time can be beneficial.”

The ex-defender was not asked any question about the Rossoneri: “Rightly so,” he noted smiling.

Paolo retired in 2009, but another Maldini plays in Serie A now, his son Daniel, who joined Monza on a permanent transfer from Milan this summer.

“Some players develop early, and others take a while. Perhaps he’s taken a while, but he has an uncommon quality in kicking the ball and vision. Now that he has exploded physically, it’s time to prove his worth.”

Paolo Maldini attended the event in Florence, so local reporters asked his thoughts on recent Fiorentina signing Yacine Adli, who had joined Milan during Maldini’s tenure in 2022.

“He didn’t get much playing time at Milan in the first season,” Maldini admitted.

“He got more last season and I think he can give Fiorentina a lot. He sees good passing lines and he’s a good guy.”