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Cagliari forward Daniel Maldini had his driving licence confiscated early on Monday after being involved in a car crash in Milan and later failing a breathalyser test, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The 22-year-old son of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini was driving his Porsche Carrera in the early hours of Sunday when the accident occurred, just hours after he scored the winning penalty in Cagliari’s 2–1 Serie A victory over Atalanta in Bergamo.
Maldini was taken to a hospital for checks and later released. “Daniel is fine and has no injury or lesion,” his lawyer Danilo Buongiorno told reporters.
ANSA later reported that Maldini’s breathalyser results showed levels above Italy’s legal limit. The first reading was 0.91 mg/l, followed by a second of 0.89 mg/l. The country’s legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.8 mg/l.
Police immediately confiscated his driving licence pending the results of more detailed blood tests carried out at the hospital, which are expected to also examine the presence of other substances.
Broader impact and possible sanctions
The incident has drawn attention to the strict driving laws in Italy, where even a small exceedance can lead to criminal charges. If the blood tests confirm the alcohol reading, Maldini could face a fine of up to €2,582, a driving ban of up to six months, and possible points deducted from his licence, according to legal experts.
Under Italian traffic law, exceeding the limit by less than 0.2 mg/l typically results in administrative penalties, but any reading above 0.8 mg/l triggers criminal proceedings. The case will likely be handled by the Milan public prosecutor’s office.
Football club's reaction
Cagliari Calcio has not yet issued an official statement, but sources close to the club told local media they are aware of the situation and are gathering information. The club is expected to support Maldini while respecting legal procedures.
Teammates privately described him as shaken but cooperative. “He’s a professional. He knows he made a mistake,” one anonymous staff member told Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
A rising career hit by a personal lapse
Maldini, who spent most of his youth at AC Milan before loan moves to Spezia and Empoli, joined Cagliari on a permanent transfer in January 2024. He has scored four goals in Serie A this season and was instrumental in Saturday’s win against Atalanta.
The timing of the incident is particularly unfortunate, coming just after a triumphant match performance. Football analysts point out that such off-field incidents can affect a player’s brand value and future endorsements, especially for someone with Maldini’s famous surname.
Expert commentary on road safety in football
Dr. Elena Rossi, a traffic law specialist at the University of Bologna, said the case highlights a recurring issue among young athletes. “Professional footballers are public figures and role models. When they drive under the influence, it sends a dangerous message to fans, especially young ones,” she told a local news outlet.
She added that the legal limit in Italy is among the strictest in Europe, and even a slight exceedance can have serious consequences. “The law is clear: no tolerance for driving after drinking. Maldini’s test result may seem marginal, but it is still over the limit.”
What happens next
Maldini is expected to attend a voluntary questioning session with the Milan traffic police in the coming days. The results of the blood test could take up to two weeks. If they confirm the alcohol presence, he will be formally investigated for driving under the influence.
Cagliari has a match against Monza on Sunday. Whether Maldini will be available for selection has not been confirmed, but coach Claudio Ranieri may decide to rest him as the legal process unfolds.
A broader look at footballers and drink-driving
Several Serie A players have faced similar incidents over the past decade. In 2022, Roma’s Nicolò Zaniolo was caught driving with a slightly elevated alcohol reading and was fined and given a short ban. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) does not impose automatic suspensions for such violations unless they result in criminal convictions.
The case of Maldini renews calls for stricter prevention campaigns in football clubs. Some Serie A teams now offer voluntary breathalyser tests at training grounds during festive periods.
A reminder of responsibility
While no one was injured in the crash, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even top athletes are not immune to the consequences of impaired driving. The fact that Maldini’s father Paolo is a revered figure in Italian football adds extra scrutiny.
As of Monday morning, Maldini has not commented publicly. His lawyer declined to provide further details beyond confirming that his client was cooperating with authorities.
Conclusion
Daniel Maldini’s driving licence remains confiscated while blood test results are awaited. The Cagliari forward faces potential legal penalties that could include a fine, licence suspension, and criminal proceedings. The club and fans are hoping the matter does not derail a promising season, but off-field missteps can carry long-lasting consequences in the public eye.
The case is a reminder that in Italy, the zero-tolerance policy on drink-driving applies to everyone—including Serie A stars—and that one mistake can overshadow a career highlight.
