Paolo Maldini reveals a curious repeat of history with his son Daniel, admits Milan might not sign a new defender and Genoa coach Andriy Shevchenko is ‘not happy’ amid dismissal talk.
The Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 GMT.
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This is a big opportunity for Maldini’s son Daniel, who gets his first start in the Coppa Italia against Genoa, curiously just as his Dad did in August 1985.
“The opportunity is training every day at a club like Milan and trying to learn from more experienced players,” the director told Sport Mediaset.
“I honestly hadn’t realised that it was my debut in the Cppa Italia against Genoa too, so this is pretty incredible!”
Fikayo Tomori returns after recovering from COVID-19 and Maldini revealed they might not necessarily sign a new centre-back after Simon Kjaer’s injury.
“Too many names have been mentioned with regards to Milan, as some have been frankly invented. We prefer to do things behind the scenes and not through the media.
“What we have seen is the reliability of our defenders and solidity of the team, so it’s not guaranteed we will bring someone in this season.”
Shevchenko is back on the touchline after testing negative for COVID-19, but there are multiple reports it’ll be his final game for Genoa, as the sack is already imminent two months after taking the job.
“He knew this was a risky choice. You can’t always believe what you read in the papers, I saw he didn’t seem happy, but that’s natural, as there are difficult moments in this job. Coaches and players work with the heart, they give their all and there are moments that are tough.
“He also just had COVID, so he did seem a little down.”