Maldini ‘is welcome’

AC MILAN defender Alessandro Nesta said the Italian national team would warmly welcome the return of club team-mate Paolo Maldini to international football.

Maldini retired from the international scene after the 2002 World Cup finals to concentrate on club football.

But he could be in line for a recall from Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who has made no secret of the fact he would like to see the 35-year-old return for this summer’s European championships in Portugal.