MALDINI: "I WILL NEVER MANAGE A TEAM"

The Azzurri defender, who is remarkably only 32, has amassed a wealth of experience in over a decade of top-flight football but has no intention of following in his father's footsteps (Cesare Maldini).

"I will never manage a team. It is too stressful, I have seen my father" declared the graceful defender.

The Italian international is determined to prolong his playing career, adding: "At 32 I feel in good form and am still motivated.

"There is still another two years to run on my contract and we will see what happens when that ends, it will also depend on my physical condition."

Last summer Maldini was captain of the Italy side beaten by David Trezeguet's golden goal in the final of Euro 2000.

It was the players' second major final defeat with the national side as he was also a member of Arrigo Sacchi's Italy team that lost the 1994 World Cup Final against Brazil.

Maldini refused to be drawn into speculation about a possible appointment within the national team framework merely offering a prediction for the coming World Cup in Japan, stating: "I see the World Cup favourites as France and Argentina."