Daniel Maldini, the 24-year-old Cagliari forward and son of Paolo Maldini, faced intense scrutiny following a car crash in Milan in the early hours of Sunday morning, with police reports and club statements revealing differing accounts regarding post-accident drug screening. According to reports from Il Giorno, the incident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. in via Caracciolo when the Porsche driven by Maldini collided with a Golf, resulting in six minor injuries, including Maldini himself.
The Incident and Breathalyzer Results
Police at the scene administered breathalyzer tests to the Cagliari player, where records show he registered blood-alcohol levels nearly double the legal limit of 0.50 g/l. According to Il Giorno, Maldini recorded 0.91 g/l on his first breath sample and 0.89 g/l on his second. Local authorities subsequently suspended his driver’s license.
Cagliari President Addresses THC Traces
Addressing the unfolding situation, Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini confirmed to Italian media that he had reviewed the police report, which noted traces of THC. Giulini defended the player’s character while speaking to Il Fatto Quotidiano and La Repubblica, stating, “I read the report; it speaks of traces of THC. Should he have ever smoked a joint—and I don’t believe he did—there is a huge distinction.” Giulini added that Maldini had sworn to him that he does not use substances, emphasizing that the club believes in the player’s good faith.
Conflicting Toxicology Findings and Legal Defense
The timeline of toxicological testing has produced contradictory claims across major Italian sports dailies. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini’s legal defense maintained that the forward had only consumed two gin tonics and that subsequent tests administered in Cagliari yielded negative results for illicit substances. Further reporting noted that Maldini later published negative results from anti-drug tests taken following the incident. Analysts and legal representatives pointed to a potential window between an initial roadside pre-test administered by local police in Milan and comprehensive hospital blood or saliva screenings conducted up to 36 hours later.
Return to Training
Despite the ongoing legal and administrative scrutiny surrounding the crash—which followed Cagliari’s victory against Atalanta in Bergamo—the club confirmed that Maldini has returned to training sessions with the squad. Further clarity is expected as official medical and judicial reviews at the Fatebenefratelli hospital proceed.
