True. Makes Maldini even the more special having played in the 80s, 90s and 2000s, as opposed to Nesta who rose to prominence in the 90s. Whoever wrote Paolo's script, did a darn good job of it.

Well, Maldini had his share of bad Milan sides as well. I'm just saying, the context is awfully different.

No I wouldn't go that far

I think only Madrid made once an important offer for him, around the early 00s I think. But other than that, I'm not aware of clubs wanting to sign him, cause he was already playing for the best club in the world.

Not during the bad patch in the 90s though, those were some sick few years. An EPL club or two also made an inquiry. I agree though, that through most of Paolo's career we were the top dog, and considering his stature here, not many bothered to even make an attempt to sign him, because it was futile anyway.

But if he wanted to leave, and have an overseas adventure he could have, at almost any time in his career. And that too, at his own terms, and as the best defender in the world. Point is that very much equals any special brownie points Zanetti gets for being an Argentine playing in a foreign league and showing loyalty.

Heck, Maldini could have left after 30 to play in the Middle East or the US for a truck full of money.

And by the way, having stayed in the Middle East, I know just how revered he is over there. Players like him, Nesta, Kaka, Sheva still are kings in these countries. While the rest of the world moved onto newer footballers, icons like the ones above still have a wild following.

Nope. Chelsea wanted him and Monaco as well, badly.

I think Man Utd wanted him as well. I'm sure there must have been more teams.


I could not agree with that when it comes to their footballing qualities. Zanetti has proved to be stronger physically and he's very consistent but Maldini in his prime (and that was for 15 years) was a far superior player than Zanetti ever was. You just have to see what his opponents have said about him and look at how all players would change wings during games to avoid him. At night he turns into a huge lion and... wait, I'm not sure about that last part. Zanetti has always been a great player who was respected but he was never feared as Maldini was. He has not been as a great a leader as Maldini either.

I respect Zanetti, even though he players for the wrong side and I hope he comes back.


That's not true, Milan had a few years in the late 90's when we were just awful. He could have gone then though I guess you're saying that he was at Milan and sooner or later they'd return to their winning ways which is true. But still, he was in his prime and would have probably found even more success with say RM.

I just think it's hard to claim loyalty when you're 1) playing for a top club, 2) winning everything there is and 3) getting paid by the millions every year. It's like when people say Giggs and Scholes or whoever are loyal, no, they're in about the best situation possible.

+ a very high number.

I have no problem with Zanetti but there is no way he's on Maldini's level. Paolo was a better player, without a shadow of a doubt.

That could be a result of Inter's being loser for years. Maldini was part of a few different invincible teams, you can't underestimate that. I'm not saying they are on the EXACTLY same levels, Maldini edges Zanetti, but the difference is not that big at all in my eyes. just like you I watched them for years and technically, without letting external factors affect my opinion, I think they were about the same level. Zanetti was more about physicality (he's a true wall and didn't earn his nickname by accident) while Maldini was more technically gifted, more of an artist, but in the end what's the big difference? because it's not easy being either.

I agree.


I just can't agree with that, there's no doubt they were not on the same level in my view. I think Maldini was clearly better but when I'm saying that I don't mean the difference in quality is that of the difference between an amateur and a professional cause they're both obviously world class players. But there is undoubtedly a difference, if Zanetti is great Maldini was distinctly greater. This is obviously objective subjective but at the same time I'm totally right.

As for his leadership and how his presence helped his teammates (and made them better), I can't think of a better example than the CL Semi 1st leg against United at Old Trafford in 2007. When he went out at halftime we looked quite lost, a different team. I don't think Zanetti at his prime was as big a loss if he would not play as Maldini would be. And that is again also about how Maldini was feared (obviously less in his last years). I don't think Zanetti ever was.

I only agree about the leadership bit. Maldini is the perfect example of a captain.

Remember that Botta guy Inter signed for next season who compared himself to Messi? Well, he was injured and he'll be out for 6 months. Guess there's no Messi for you now, Inter.

Guess they'll need to find somebody else to choke in the big games. /Kurt

Like Quaresma, the Next Ronaldo. oh wait...

The most important aspect of this bit of news is that everyone Inter touch is getting injured right now. This guy hasn't even physically joined the team yet he's already been effected by the Inter curse. I think their injuries this season rival those we've had to deal with last season

Fiorentina-Roma tonight.

Totti has so much class.

How's it going?

I don't want to watch because if I do, Fiorentina will surely win

Roma playing better so far.

0-0 HT

Roma were better in the first 25 minutes, then Fiorentina took control. Feels like they'll win this game in the end.

Meh, Fiorentina are basically walking over Roma. Only a matter of time before they score.

Just a matter of time till they score.

How much time left?

Pjanic is such a useless player.

6 minutes + added time.

Thanks

OSVALDO!!!!!!!!!!

Wow. Pizarro rocks the post with a thunderbolt, then Roma nearly score on the counter attack.


0-1 ROMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES!!

0-1 FT

HELL YES!!!

FT, Thank you Osvaldo!

Phew!!

We better win tomorrow!!!!

We win tomorrow and we'll be +4 on them with 3 games to go. CANNOT MISS THIS CHANCE!!!

hahaha

Only one supporter for Pescara today in Genoa.

Link

Yes my hometown club is poorly represented hehe

Napoli 3-1 Inter so far. Cavani hat-trick.

I don't know many of Inter's players. who the hell is Pasa... first time I see him.

What an idiot

I thought at first the Chievo player did not even touch De Rossi but he actually steps on his foot. Obviously De Rossi barely felt that I'm just saying it's not as ridiculous as I thought it was at first sight.

Fiorentina beat Siena so we need at least 3 points from the last two games.

Next game will be Roma?

We have Roma (H) and Siena (A), they have Palermo (H) and Pescara (A).

Fiorentina will almost definitely win both so we need at least a tie out of Roma.

Hmh. That's why Allegri will announce his fate in a few days. He's waiting for the Roma match, and afterwards he'll say he is taking over in Rome.