Staff Reporter.
Daniel Maldini became the third generation of his family to score for AC Milan as Stefano Pioli’s side beat Spezia in Serie A.
The 19-year-old, son of Paolo Maldini and grandson of Cesare Maldini, headed the visitors in front three minutes into the second half.
Daniele Verde drew the hosts level with ten minutes remaining.
But Brahim Diaz clinched the win for Milan six minutes later with a close-range finish.
Maldini’s goal came 13 years 179 days after the last league goal of his father Paolo, and 60 years 22 days after the last Serie A goal of his grandfather Cesare.
Milan climbed to first place with 16 points ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures. Spezia are 17th with four points.
“It is always a complicated match here. They play well and had a good match, but we fought together and did what we always do. I am happy for everyone, it is difficult to win here but we did it,” Diaz told DAZN.
A beaming Paolo,who is now technical director at Milan, was in the stands to celebrate his son’s achievement, and Pioli had some advice for the youngster after the game.
“He needs to be a bit quicker to lose his marker. Today (Spezia midfielder) Mehdi Bourabia was tracking him closely and he should have got a few metres away from him,” Pioli said.
“If you don’t do that you have less time to play. He can only develop and he has everything to do well in the future.”
Other Serie A results:
Inter Milan 2 – 2 Atalanta.